The Challege
Imagine a city that has never been built before
This competition aims to discover an optimal, efficient, and resilient urban solution for earthquakes and tsunamis, that has never been seen before. The objective is to get rid of traditional strategies that have been repeatedly tried and have not yielded positive results worldwide. The competition encourages the development and proposal of new, creative, and innovative architectural and urban strategies to enhance resistance to earthquakes and tsunamis.
The main objective of this competition is to design a conceptual urban-architectural model proposal aimed at improving the resilience of İskenderun against the risks of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. This must be addressed from the perspective of urban resilience and safety, while considering and respecting the mountainous, seismic and coastal characteristics of this wonderful Mediterranean city.
To achieve this general objective, participants are expected to develop innovative and futuristic design ideas, which adapt to the changing needs of the city, improving its functionality and the overall aesthetics of the urban areas of this port city.
Let The Nature Speak!
A Pro-Seismic City Design
The central idea of ICAUS 2024 isto question the current seismic mitigation strategies in the city.
The goal is to move beyond the concept of an anti-seismic city and develop a new framework: the Pro-Seismic-Resilient city. To achieve this, it is essential to explore strategies that arise from careful observation of the territory and respect for the footprint left by geographic shifts. Ignoring nature can lead to disastrous consequences; however, by adapting to its movements and forms, we can find harmony amidst disasters and work towards greater resilience in our urban environments.
Students are invited to create a new conceptual model for earthquake-resilient urban development. This initiative will be led by student teams, guided by architects and urban planners, who will infuse the project with fresh perspectives and youthful energy. The competition encourages participants to present entirely innovative solutions that have never been seen before, free from conventional economic, business, and operational engineering constraints.
This contest will allow a deep intellectual and artistic reflection on the reconstruction process of a city that was devastated by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Explore how, in the wake of this tragedy, we can rethink the city and develop new urban design strategies that are resilient to seismic events and tsunamis.
Specific objectives
Students are encouraged to tackle the project with the following key objectives in mind:
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To better develop a resilient urban structure in İskenderun, it is essential to understand and demonstrate the seismic conditions and the impacts of earthquakes. This involves deciphering the "disaster footprint" by examining the level, type, and morphology of the damage caused by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. By analyzing the cracks and fractures left in the city, we can identify the most vulnerable areas.
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To analyze and reformulate the urban dynamics of Iskenderun that contribute to disaster conditions, such as the following factors: the number of buildings constructed, the city's community and district composition, the resilience of its infrastructure, and the response capacity that the current urban layout allows during emergencies.
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To examine the connection between urban form and earthquake safety in İskenderun, taking into account morphology, typology, design, construction methods and materials, as well as spatial planning, to not only create a resilient city model but also a safe and citizen-friendly environment.
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To employ a multi-scale perspective to understand and map the interaction between different multi-layered urban networks in İskenderun, from individual buildings to the various systems constituting the city, this assessment integrates social, economic, environmental, and infrastructural factors to provide a holistic view of the industrial port city.
To address the points mentioned above, it is essential to identify and define the sequential relationships at three different scales: 1. The urban macro scale, 2. The district scale, and the 3. The neighborhood or block scale. Each scale and framework of the study should be clearly articulated and nested within the broader overarching scale to promote coherence and integration.
Some Inspirations
In a strategic way we present some books to inspire you in the search for the new city.
