British architecture firm Foster + Partners unveils its master plan of reconstructing Antakya, Turkey after the unfortunate earthquakes that took place last year. The firm works together with engineering consultant Buro Happold, Mic-hub, DB Architects, and KEYM Urban Renewal Center on the plan. It centers on 30 square kilometers of the area with a wider plan to construct the country after the damages that took place on February 6th, 2023.
Foster + Partners partner Loukia Iliopoulou speaks about the design concept and the inspiration behind it. She notes, "Before the earthquake, the city of Antakya faced some challenges that we aim to address during the sustainable reconstruction. [...] There were also a lot of qualities we wanted to retain within the proposed urban framework – the buildings that survived the earthquake, the permeability and the granularity of the urban fabric, the variety in the block typologies, the green spaces that were well-established in the collective memory of the residence, and the location of amenities that are also important to residents."
Post-Earthquake Rebuilding Projects
Foster + Partners Rebuilds Antakya, Turkey After Earthquake
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Urban Reconstruction - Creating urban environments that not only rebuild but also improve upon past infrastructure offers a transformative approach to disaster recovery.
2. Collaborative Urban Planning - Bringing together various specialized firms to co-develop projects enhances the innovation and effectiveness of large-scale urban redevelopment.
3. Resilient Architecture - Designing buildings that are resilient to natural disasters ensures long-term durability and safety for communities.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - The industry benefits from integrating sustainable practices and new technologies to reconstruct communities more effectively after disasters.
2. Engineering and Construction - Innovations in engineering techniques are crucial in developing robust infrastructure capable of withstanding future natural calamities.
3. Urban Development - Urban development focuses on creating cohesive and sustainable communities through well-planned, multi-disciplinary approaches.