SPACE June 2025 (No. 691)
©Emre Dörter
©Thomas Mayer
Located in the heart of ancient Antioch, The Museum Hotel Antakya stands atop one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern Türkiye. Initially planned as a conventional five-star hotel with a different architect, construction halted when the extensive Roman-era ruins were unearthed. A scientific committee of archaeologists, architects, and historians were then called to guide the process. In response to the impossibility of traditional construction, EAA reimagined the project, blending hospitality with preservation.
Prefabricated room modules ©Cemal Emden
Hotel lobby suspended above the ruins ©Roberto Russo
Overlapping of different programmes ©Emre Dörter
Open-air circulation connecting to the guest rooms ©Thomas Mayer
*You can see more information on the SPACE No. June (2025).
Emre Arolat is the design partner of EAA (Emre Arolat Architecture), founded with Gonca Paşolar. Engaged in a wide range of projects, from urban master plans and airports, to residential and cultural buildings, and workplaces, EAA has become an internationally recognised practice with offices London and Istanbul. EAA received international attention early on with the Minicity Theme Park (2004), which was selected by the Mies van der Rohe Award for European Architecture in 2005. Many international awards have followed, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2010 for the Ipekyol Textile Factory (2006) in Edirne. EAA’s work has been shown in exhibitions at renowned institutions including the Design Museum, The Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in London, and were presented at the International Architecture Exhibition in Venice Biennale 2012 and 2016. Arolat was the co-curator of the first Istanbul Design Biennale in 2012. He served on the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Master Jury in 2016 and subsequently appointed to the Steering Committee for the 13th and 14th Award Cycle. He was awarded a professorship by the International Academy of Architecture, Sofia. Emre Arolat teaches and lectures widely. He recently taught advanced studio at the Yale School of Architecture as Norman R. Foster visiting professor and a master studio at The Berlage Institute in Delft. He was elected as an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in February 2019, for his significant contribution to architecture and society.
