"The archeological findings discovered in an excavation on the project site in Antakya, close to St. Pierre Church, directed the employer to build a museum-hotel on the site. The dichotomy between public program of an archeological park and private use of the hotel becomes a major input in the design process.
The findings discovered during excavations and the physical and sociological characteristics of Antakya act as primary sources of contextual information. The hotel turns itself inside out to deal with the specific characteristics of this unique situation and place where the program elements are considered as individual units spread on the site under a protective canopy, rather than building a compact, introverted, conventional hotel building.
The location of the findings discovered on site determines the exact location of the columns. The composite columns are situated on the trace of former riverbed that goes through the middle of the site and on the periphery of the site. The canopy supported by these columns acts both as a marker for the archeological park and as a platform housing program elements of the hotel. This platform creates vista points to enjoy the view of the city and St.Pierre Hill and sustains the local tradition of roof terraces. Slits on the platform act as skylights for the archeological site below and provide a visual connection between the findings and the hotel amenities located on the platform.
The main body of hotel is consisted of prefabricated hotel-room units stacked on top of each other. The room-units placed on steel sub-structures are connected to the main circulation with walkways and bridges. The semi-open space creates an inner world where one can experience the climate and local conditions and has visual contact with the excavation site throughout. Terraces and gardens located under the canopy enhance the experience."
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