Human, Design and Nature: Coexistence for a Sustainable Future

Project idea

Project Location
Locations
City: Gaziantep
State / Province: Gaziantep
Country: Türkiye

Project Statement

This project addresses the challenges of post-earthquake life revitalization, including refuge and health, socio and cultural, economic, and infrastructure through the use of Nature-Based Infrastructures (NBI) global concept. Inspired by nature, we aim to create a city that is not only self-sufficient but also in harmony with its natural surroundings.

This project aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Gaziantep, Türkiye, following the devastating 2023 earthquakes. Through the innovative concept of Nature-Based Infrastructures (NBI), the project seeks to foster a more sustainable and equitable future for the city's residents.

The NBI global concept leverages nature's inherent ability to provide essential ecosystem services. This strategy tackles a range of issues, including:

Infrastructure Damage: By integrating NBI into the reconstruction process, the project aims to create a more resilient urban environment that can withstand future natural disasters.

Environmental Degradation: The project seeks to minimize the human footprint on the environment during reconstruction and promote ecological restoration.

Socioeconomic Disruption: NBI solutions can contribute to economic revitalization through sustainable resource management and job creation.

Additionally, the project aims to support the community's social and cultural recovery by fostering a sense of belonging and shared space.
The project's ultimate goal is to transform Gaziantep into a model city.

This model will showcase the potential of NBI to empower communities to rebuild not just structures, but also hope, resilience, and a vision for a harmonious coexistence with nature in a sustainable future.

The catastrophic earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria in February 2023 served as a stark reminder of the devastating power of natural disasters and the profound impacts they may have on human settlements. With a combined 7.8 and 7.6 Richter, these twin earthquakes unleashed a trail of destruction that left a mark on the region for years to come.

The death toll surpassed 59,000, with countless more injured and displaced. Cities especially Gaziantep were reduced to rubble, their infrastructure shattered, and their communities deeply scarred. Amidst the despair lies an opportunity to rebuild Gaziantep in a way that is resilient to future disasters and fosters a more sustainable and equitable future for its citizens.

Project description

Project Narrative

Project Background

The historic city of Gaziantep, Türkiye, nestled in the Anatolian region, endured a devastating earthquake in 2023. In a few seconds, tens of thousands of city residents were buried under tons of rubble.

Gaziantep has gone through a tragedy on an unparalleled scale; 85% of the town has in one way or another experienced the loss of a direct family member, a relative, a neighbor, or a friend.

Global Concept

This project encompasses a comprehensive study of nature-based infrastructures (NBI) global concept that leverages the unique opportunities presented by nature to address the city's post-earthquake challenges.

We are visually oriented people, with the tools of art and knowledge of natural science, who produce creative works that improve people’s lives and the health of our planet [1].

Leveraging nature's ability to provide ecosystem services, the strategy tackles multifaceted challenges like infrastructure damage, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disruption.

Ecological planning encompasses a broad spectrum of natural, biological, and social sciences that are aligned with ecological perspectives [2]. By integrating NBI into planning and design, cities can rebuild and emerge more adaptable to future natural disasters.

Technical information

Proposed Site Selection

Situated in the southeastern and western peripheries of Gaziantep, the proposed temporary settlement site encompasses an area of 22,871 square kilometers.

This strategic selection presents a haven for the earthquake-stricken community due to its advantageous proximity to major city thoroughfares. Furthermore, the site land morphology, fertile soil, and existing land use it ideal for temporary settlement development.

Project Global Strategies

Global Strategy I: Coexistence with Nature

Using low-tech super adobe structures and local materials compatible with nature, our design engages all volunteers: elders share wisdom, youth contribute effort, and experts offer proficiency. This fosters a sense of identity. We've turned limitations into potentials: animal shelters protect pets and prevent strays from disturbing waste management, while waste creates nurseries that provide food.

Global Strategy II: Continuity of Life

Post-earthquake design must go beyond aesthetics and functionality, incorporating grief and the revival of social ties as core principles. Minimizing the human footprint creates space for wildlife and ecological goals. Multifunctional spaces foster a sense of belonging among people in a common area; ensuring essential services are maintained without compromising the environment.

Global Strategy III: Livelihood Restoration

Green infrastructures safeguard soil and water. Economic crops and integrated activities support related industries through water recycling and material reuse, promoting a sustainable local economy.

Global Strategy IV: Embracing Green Energy

Ecological aesthetics prioritizes environmental needs. Wind and solar power replace fossil fuels, shaping a new, sustainable visual identity for settlements.


Project Result

The NBI success in tackling Gaziantep's post-earthquake challenges stands as a powerful testament to nature's transformative power in healing and renewal.

Gaziantep's revitalization serves as an inspiration to the world, showcasing the boundless potential of the NBI strategy in fostering a brighter future for communities ravaged by natural disasters.

The NBI can play a pivotal role in coordinating reconstruction efforts, promoting sustainable resource utilization, and empowering affected communities to rebuild their lives. Through collaboration and unwavering commitment, we can transform this tragedy into an opportunity to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.

Specifically, the NBI can contribute to post-earthquake reconstruction in the following ways:

1- Promoting Sustainable Water Resource Management: The NBI can facilitate the coordination of efforts to rebuild water infrastructure, ensure equitable distribution of potable water, and promote efficient irrigation practices.

2-Supporting Economic Development: The NBI can bolster local economies in affected areas by encouraging investments in new businesses, education, and entrepreneurship.

3-Building Resilient Communities: The NBI can assist in developing disaster preparedness plans and enhancing community resilience against future natural hazards.

The 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the urgent need to build resilient communities. By NBI we can collectively transform this catastrophe into an opportunity for sustainable growth and enduring prosperity.

Together, we can rebuild, not just structures, but also hope, resilience, and a vision for a future where communities thrive in harmony with the natural world.

References

1-Sharky, B. (2024). Nature-Based Design in Landscape Architecture: Routledge.

2-McHarg I.L. (1995). Design with Nature, 25th Anniversary Edition: Wiley.

Documentation

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