Speakers
Description
The devastating earthquake in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, caused widespread physical destruction across eleven provinces, affecting the social and cultural structure as well. Antakya is a multilayered city in the determined zone where earthquake impacts are the most destructive. 80% of the structures in the city center of Antakya were damaged, and more than half of the population was displaced. Sustainable and inclusive reconstruction efforts have gained significant importance after the major disaster. This study examines the participatory planning techniques used in the post-disaster reconstruction of Antakya, analyzing how the balancing of top-down and bottom-up approaches shaped the outcomes. Using theoretical frameworks such as Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation and Turner's community-driven housing advocacy, it investigates how participation, transparency, and inclusiveness have positive impacts in the process while also examining the root causes, structures, and potential lessons that can be learned for the future disaster recovery scenarios. The study follows an interpretive case study approach focusing on the reconstruction process in Antakya after the 2023 earthquake. Data were collected from reports prepared by governmental institutions, international organizations, and community stakeholders and supported by interviews with local actors and civil society organizations involved in the reconstruction. As the finding shows, top-down and bottom-up planning models combined in a hybrid model to bridge the gaps between urgency and quality in post-disaster urbanism. This hybrid framework acts as a catalytic lever, utilizing digital technologies' potential to minimize costs and reduce time planning effectively.
As the top-down model prioritized the governmental interventions in Antakya, the model was seen to play a critical role in ensuring rapid resource mobilization and coordination. The model, employed by the central government, national, and local agencies, effectively met immediate post-disaster needs. However, as Burby (2003) suggests, top-down approaches alone may fail to meet the long-term needs of local communities if revitalization efforts are not transparent or include local voices. In this respect, it is stated that transparency, effective communication with local people, and public consultations are vital elements of the top-down model applications. Regarding inclusivity, the bottom-up model ensured the integration of local people's needs and cultural values into the reconstruction process. Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation (1969) model provides assessment tools for the level of community participation in the reconstruction of Antakya and how participation was achieved or restricted. Turner's Community-Focused Housing Advocacy (1976) model advocates for community-focused decision-making autonomy to ensure culturally successful and sustainable outcomes. In Antakya, participation was achieved through inclusive online platforms, workshops, and participatory meetings that brought together government officials, residents, civil society organizations, and international experts. Healey's (1997) concept of collaborative planning emphasizes the importance of including multiple stakeholders in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach played a critical role in balancing the need for rapid reconstruction with the high-quality preservation of local culture and social integrity in times of crisis. Hence, the “Revitalization of Antakya” project was conducted with a hybrid model that combined the advantages of top-down and bottom-up approaches in the reconstruction process. According to the outputs, the hybrid model allowed for the preservation of local culture while balancing rapid response with the right of the local community to shape their future. The experience in Antakya provides valuable insights into the role of participatory planning in post-disaster recovery. The article contributes to a broader understanding of how reconstruction efforts can be made more resilient and culturally sensitive. The findings suggest that future post-disaster planning should adopt a hybrid model combining centralized expertise and power with local needs and priorities.
References
Arnstein, S.R., 1969. A ladder of citizen participation. Journal of the American Institute of Planners, 35(4), pp.216–224. doi:10.1080/01944366908977225.
Burby, R.J., 2003. Making plans that matter: Citizen involvement and government action. Journal of the American Planning Association, 69(1), pp.33–49. doi:10.1080/01944360308976292.
Healey, P., 1997. Collaborative Planning: Shaping Places in Fragmented Societies. London: Macmillan Press Ltd. doi:10.1007/978-1-349-25538-2.
Turner, J.F.C., 1976. Housing by people: Towards autonomy in building environments. London: Marion Boyars.
| Keywords | Post-Disaster Planning; Top-Down Model; Bottom-Up Model; Hybrid Approach; Participatory. |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
