foster + partners to revitalize turkey's ancient city after devastating earthquake

foster+partners and bjarke ingels rebuild hatay, turkey

After the devastating February 2023 earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria, the Türkiye Design Council (TDC) has assembled leading architects and designers to start the process of revitalizing the historic province of Hatay in southeast Turkey. A team of 13 design practices, including renowned names like Foster + Partners and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), will work together to ensure Hatay’s resilience, sustainability, and livability for future generations while preserving its 2,300-year-old cultural heritage. The focal point of this effort is a visionary masterplan for Antakya, historically known as Antioch, which is being developed under the leadership of Foster + Partners, in collaboration with prominent Turkish firms DB Architects and KEYM (Urban Renewal Center). The full masterplan is expected to be unveiled in 2024.

render of the revtalized Hatay city | all images courtesy of Türkiye Design Council

Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Vision for Hatay’s Recovery

In the upcoming months and years, the Türkiye Design Council (find more here) aims to establish an innovative global approach to post-disaster city reconstruction. This approach will involve collaboration with leading architects and prioritize the active involvement of Hatay’s local community in the city’s recovery process. The earthquake caused significant destruction, with approximately 80% of Antakya’s central city impacted. This situation presents an immediate need and a unique opportunity to re-envision the city for future generations, emphasizing climate resilience, connectivity, and the well-being of its residents.

The rebuilding plans by Foster + Partners (find more here), BIG (find more here), and more, will consider the layout of central districts, administrative facilities, and new infrastructure. Hatay is characterized as a mosaic of archaeological and historical religious sites, boasting the legacy of two significant ancient cities: Seleukeia Pieria and Antiokheia. Consequently, the reconstruction plans will be influenced by these unique features and will include the restoration of important sites like the Uzun Bazaar, churches, mosques, bathhouses, and synagogues, with the aim of reinstating its skyline and reputation for religious tolerance. These plans will also take into account the region’s natural geography, such as the plains of the Asi River.

13 design practices will work together to ensure Hatay’s livability for future generations while preserving its cultural heritage

‘Following the earthquake, we experienced the biggest ever global cooperation for the relief effort. Now, we want this to be the biggest ever global collaboration of experts to shape the next era of Hatay,’ shares Mehmet Kalyoncu, Chairman of the Türkiye Design Council. ‘This province, and its center Antakya, are places of great significance to humanity, both culturally and historically. It is a centuries-old place, and we have an enormous responsibility to its people and to honor its rich past while ensuring its vitality as a modern city continues for generations to come,’ he adds.

‘Following the terrible tragedy that occurred on the 6th of February, we are looking forward to working with local communities and collaborating with architecture, planning, urban design, and engineering experts in Turkey, to help develop plans for the historic city of Antakya,’ comments Nigel Dancey, Senior Executive Partner at Foster + Partners.

the rebuilding plans will consider the layout of central districts, administrative facilities, and new infrastructure