Architectural expression of seismic strengthening

Current seismic strengthening approaches to historic buildings place emphasis upon concealing engineering technologies. This study investigates, through a process of architectural and structural engineering design, the architectural possibilities inherent in a completely different approach. Recognizing both conservation concerns and the architectural qualities of two existing earthquake-prone buildings, the study explores seismic strengthening strategies that are exposed to view in order to contribute, in both a physical and aesthetic sense, a layer of architectural richness. A 1960s eight-story reinforced-concrete office building and a three-story unreinforced masonry building are the subject of theoretical seismic strengthening schemes. The paper describes the buildings, the strengthening approaches from both architectural and structural engineering perspectives, and comments on the outcome with respect to conservation guidelines. Although the proposed schemes challenge some sections of the guidelines, the authors believe the exposed structure enhances the existing architecture, and in so doing suggests an alternative approach for seismic retrofitting.