Vancouver Island South Network Presents: Seismic Design in Architecture

Particularly in the dynamic geography of British Columbia, seismic considerations have needed to become an integral feature in architectural design. Increasingly stringent seismic engineering and design standards can sometimes be perceived as challenges to architectural budgets, and as constraints to other design objectives. Particularly, more demanding seismic criteria may also be seen as a particular hurdle for the maintenance and rehabilitation of heritage buildings.

In what ways may seismic design be recognized as integral and complementary to effective architectural design? Can adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and additions to heritage buildings help support their seismic up-grading? How might the implementation and expression of seismic design even add inspiration to good architecture?

By the end of the session participants will be able to:

• Recognize the importance of seismic design
  Discuss how the challenges of seismic design become credited as an asset for a project, rather than an expense
  Describe how additions and adaptations in existing buildings help support and aid seismic design
  Identify how seismic design can be introduced and integrated as a creative and complementary component of architectural design