Sustainable Material Strategies and Participatory Practices in Post-Disaster Reconstruction: The Case of Örnekevler Living Village in Antakya

MS REPORT

This research examines the role of sustainable materials and participatory design practices in postdisaster reconstruction, focusing on the Örnekevler Living Village project developed in response to the 2023 earthquakes in Antakya, Türkiye. Post-disaster reconstruction often prioritizes immediate housing needs at the expense of longer-term social and environmental considerations. This case study addresses both objectives by incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives from architecture, environmental studies, disaster recovery, and community-based design, and explores how reconstruction can provide immediate shelter while fostering long-term social and ecological resilience. It highlights the importance of material selection, collective labor, and community participation in shaping recovery processes and supporting sustainable living environments after disasters. The findings emphasize that post-disaster recovery extends beyond the reconstruction of physical infrastructure; it also requires the restoration of cultural, social, and communal ties that define a community’s identity and foster a sense of belonging. Overall, the study argues that recovery efforts should focus on creating resilient, sustainable, and community-centered environments where people can rebuild their lives, rather than simply replacing lost housing. 

Meryem Kibaroglu