earthquake proof

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Earthquake-resistant architecture
Buildings in earthquake-prone areas – particularly those which serve as community or aid centres during emergencies – are being designed with structural elements that prevent them from shaking, even when the ground below is moving.

All new buildings in Japan are required to be earthquake-resistant. In collaboration with Ishimoto Architectural & Engineering Firm, Unemori Architects designed an "earthquake-proof" community centre in Fukushima as part of the wider rejuvenation of the city after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. The five-storey Sukagawa Community Center includes libraries, a museum, a lecture hall, childcare centres and cafes, and will be used for disaster-relief activities in the event of earthquakes. Simple materials such as natural wood for the furniture were chosen to create a calming environment.

Other countries are following suit, applying the same earthquake-resistant structural techniques used in Japan. California’s largest hospital, which is located half a mile from the San Jacinto fault and equipped as a Level 1 trauma centre, was redesigned to handle extreme medical emergencies and seismic activity. Designed by architecture firm NBBJ and engineers from Arup, it now has a structural element – a type widely used in Japan – that prevents the building from moving. More than 120 base isolators, which are bearing-like structures, were placed in-between the foundation and the tower, forming a sliding buffer between the two. They can move laterally while still carrying the weight of the building.
Unemori Architects

Ishimoto Architectural & Engineering Firm and Unemori Architects designed an "earthquake-proof" community centre, which will be used for disaster-relief activities in the event of earthquakes
NBBJ x Arup

California’s largest hospital was redesigned by architecture firm NBBJ and engineers from Arup, with a structural element th