Earthquake-resistant architecture: morphological response

Abstract

In the previous reports (1) and (2) we raised the question of the necessity to develop an Earthquake-Resistant Architecture which would make the integral solution of the seismic problem in buildings possible. We established the grounds, objectives, basic principles and methodology for defining the guidelines to be followed in making the architectural design and structural earthquake-resistant design compatible. The present report brings the proposal of an architectural response from the morphological point of view, allowing us to reach an adequate final form which consists of eliminating all the incompatibilities produced by the seismic demands and determining factors, in other words, we search for an architectural design which, owing to its very morphology, is able to satisfy the said conditions; an "Adequate Final Form" which in itself avoids the bothersome guidelines for making the structural and architectural designs compatible, transforming them into morphological responses to each seismic determining factor.