Seismic design within architectural education

Authors

  • A. W. Charleson Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, NZ

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.30.1.46-50

Abstract

This paper discusses the teaching of earthquake resistant design within schools of architecture. It aims to stimulate discussion on more effective means of teaching the subject, and to suggest ideas and resources for schools whose seismic design curriculum might benefit from further development.

It is argued that seismic design issues should be included and integrated into architecture curricula. The case is based primarily on observations of building failures resulting from flawed architectural design decisions and subsequent critical reaction from within the architectural profession itself. However, another reason is that the large sizes and restrictive layouts of some seismic load resisting systems impact unavoidably upon architectural layouts.

The content, teaching methods and teaching staff qualities appropriate for a seismic design curriculum are discussed in a case study from the School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington. Two key aspects of perceived success are the course's relevance to architectural design and the variety of presentation. Teaching methods, teaching aids and useful references are provided.

The evaluation of the courses considered in the case study is discussed, and postgraduate and post-graduation seismic education in New Zealand is reviewed.

References

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Arnold, C and Reitherman, R 1982. Building Configuration & Seismic Design. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York.

Black, R G and Duff, S 1994. A model for teaching structures: finite element analysis in architectural education. Journal of Architectural Education 48(1): 38-55. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10464883.1994.10734621

Buckle, I and Fenwick, R 1981. Basic earthquake engineering for structural engineers (a series of three videotapes). The New Zealand Institution of Engineers, Wellington.

Building Research Association of New Zealand 1989. Bay of Plenty earthquakes. AV10 (55 slides), BRANZ, Porirua.

Cardenas, J A 1988. The architect's scientific and technological training. In Architectural and Urban design lessons from the 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Council on Architectural Research of the American Institute of Architects and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, Washington, DC: 105-114.

Charleson, A W 1993. Vertical lateral load resisting elements of low to medium-rise buildings, Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering 26(3): 356- 366. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.26.3.356-366

Cooney, R 1982. Strengthening houses against earthquake - a handbook of remedial measures. Technical paper P37, Building Research Association of New Zealand, Porirua.

Crawley, S W and Ward, D B 1990. Seismic and wind loads in architectural design - an architect's study guide. The American Institute of Architects, Washington, DC.

Guevara, L T 1989. Architectural considerations in the design of earthquake-resistant buildings: influence of floor-plan shape on the response of medium-rise housing to earthquakes. PhD thesis, University of California, Berkeley.

Massey, W 1992. Architectural Design for Earthquake - a guide to the design of non-structural elements. New Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering, Wellington.

Schodek, D L 1980. Structures. Prentice-Hall Inc., New Jersey.

Standards Association of New Zealand 1992. Code of practice for general structural design and design loadings for buildings. NZS 4203, Wellington.

The National Film Library. The Hawkes Bay disaster (1931) (A film). National Film Library, Wellington.

Wang, M L 1981. Consequences of architectural style on earthquake resistance. Final proceedings: PRC-US Joint Workshop on Earthquake Disaster Mitigation through Architecture, Urban Planning and Engineering; Beijing, November 2-6 1981: 150-181.

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Published

31-03-1997

How to Cite

Charleson, A. W. (1997). Seismic design within architectural education. Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering, 30(1), 46–50. https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.30.1.46-50

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