SOUR’s 2024 Antakya project uses community-focused, trauma-informed design to lead the city’s post-earthquake recovery.
In February 2023, the historic city of Antakya in Turkey was ravaged by two devastating earthquakes, reducing its vibrant streets and cherished buildings to ruins. This disaster displaced thousands and left the city grappling with a massive recovery challenge. In response, SOUR, a global design studio renowned for its focus on social and urban issues, has embarked on a monumental project to revive Antakya, aligning with its mission to address critical urban regeneration needs through innovative, community-centered approaches.
A Community-centered Revival
The project, named “Revitalization of Hatay,” spearheaded by SOUR, was initiated by an invitation from the Turkiye Design Council. The initiative marks a significant step in Turkey’s ambitious plan to address its seismic vulnerabilities and revitalize disaster-struck areas. SOUR’s approach is notable for its emphasis on integrating community experiences and needs into the design process.
SOUR’s team undertook extensive field research and ethnographic interviews across Antakya and surrounding areas including Samandağ, Serinyol, and Defne Harbiye. Collaborating with psychologists, anthropologists, and trauma experts, the team ensured that their design would be both empathetic and trauma-informed. This research culminated in a comprehensive report and documentary that guided the master planning of the reconstruction effort.
A pivotal aspect of the project was the establishment of a co-creation panel composed of experts from various fields. This diverse group provided valuable insights to ensure that the design outcomes were not only innovative but also deeply authentic to the affected communities.
Post-disaster Urban Design and a Connection to Broader Research
SOUR’s approach reflects a paradigm shift in urban regeneration, emphasizing the importance of healing, resilience, and human dignity. By integrating a trauma-informed perspective into its urban design, SOUR is setting a new benchmark for how cities can be rebuilt in the wake of disasters. This methodology aligns with broader global movements towards more human-centered urban planning, highlighting the role of community participation in creating sustainable and resilient urban environments.
The project’s technical details reveal a well-coordinated effort involving a variety of experts. The design team, led by Inanc Eray and Pinar Guvenc, included architects, anthropologists, and psychologists, supported by structural, mechanical, and civil engineers. The project’s scope covers 76,108 square meters and involves residential, commercial, and landscape architecture.
This initiative ties directly into broader research on seismic risks and building retrofitting strategies, such as those discussed in a 2015 Science Direct paper on Turkey’s extensive retrofitting plans. The research highlights Turkey’s commitment to addressing the seismic vulnerabilities of its buildings, which have been exacerbated by poor construction practices and outdated building codes. The paper outlines a massive, 20-year plan to retrofit or renew high-risk structures, a project estimated to cost $500 billion.
The challenges identified in this research—ranging from outdated building materials to inadequate construction methods—underscore the urgency of projects like SOUR’s. By addressing these issues through community engagement and advanced design methodologies, SOUR’s work in Antakya embodies the proactive steps necessary to meet the ambitious goals outlined in the 2015 study.
Future Prospects and Rethinking Urban Regeneration
The revitalization of Antakya is not just a restoration of physical structures but a testament to the evolving standards in urban regeneration. SOUR’s integration of advanced technologies, such as photogrammetry and augmented reality, alongside traditional methods, illustrates a forward-thinking approach that could influence future projects globally.
The project also aligns with the ideal methodologies for seismic evaluation discussed in recent research, emphasizing the need for rapid, reliable, and scalable assessment techniques. This includes leveraging nondestructive testing (NDT) methods and integrating them with comprehensive data management systems to enhance the speed and accuracy of building evaluations.
As SOUR’s project in Antakya progresses, it stands as a model for how urban regeneration can be approached with empathy and scientific rigor. The commitment to community co-creation and trauma-informed design is setting a new standard in the field, demonstrating that recovery and revitalization efforts can successfully integrate innovative practices with a deep respect for the affected communities.
In the wake of disaster, Antakya is not just rebuilding but reimagining its future. SOUR’s work offers a glimpse into how cities around the world might navigate the complex challenges of post-disaster recovery, ensuring that resilience and dignity are at the heart of urban regeneration.
