SPACE October 2024 (No. 683)
Masterplan for a partial area of Antakya, Hatay, Türkiye ©Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners has revealed its involvement in the masterplan to rebuild areas affected by the 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake. The masterplan, developed by the Foster + Partners consortium, is part of the Hatay reconstruction project, led by the Türkiye Design Council. It covers a 30km² area of Antakya, the capital of Hatay Province in southern Türkiye, a city with a rich historical legacy, located along the Mediterranean coast. There are two major projects underway in this area: one focused on rebuilding a pilot zone, and the other on creating a comprehensive vision masterplan for the city. A range of Turkish architectural groups have taken charge of designing the pilot area, while Foster + Partners based their vision masterplan on in-depth interviews conducted with the local community by Turkish architects. Antakya is located in an earthquake-prone region, so the masterplan aims to design a resilient city prepared for future disasters. Approximately 80% of the city’s buildings were destroyed, with much of the damage concentrated in areas near waterways prone to soil liquefaction. To address this, the masterplan introduces green buffer zones in flood-risk areas to mitigate damage while also incorporating public green spaces throughout the city. Additionally, the plan designates 13 new districts, each centered around public buildings like schools, and organises smaller streets designed for pedestrians and cyclists. The city’s primary structure and surviving buildings will be preserved, while a pedestrian- friendly road network and improved public transportation will enhance urban circulation. The massive reconstruction project is expected to take place over the next decade.
