Earthquake architecture as an expression of a stronger architectural identity in seismic areas

Abstract

The paper discusses the term “earthquake architecture” as a result of intersection of design principles in architecture and earthquake engineering. It examines the hypothesis that the architectural design which reflects an earthquake threat might be an important source of stronger architectural identity typical for earthquake prone areas. The purpose of the paper is to encourage the development of new principles and forms of architectural design in these areas. Technology, codes and cooperation with earthquake engineers are not the only or satisfactory solutions for appropriate culturally respectful design of buildings and landscape in earthquake prone areas. The possibilities of architectural response to an earthquake threat are further analyzed. The paper describes earthquake engineering and architectural background of earthquake architecture and gives some examples of positive practise. The intensity of relations between the two fields is divided into different levels. Higher levels of intensity interfere more into the field of earthquake architecture. The given examples interpret various possible levels of cooperation within earthquake architecture.