Architectural Design of New Buildings with Seismic Base Isolation and Energy Damping Systems

Abstract

In the last century, a modern seismic design concept has emerged, which is based on different mechanisms, such as reducing and dispersing the seismic input concerning the building or active interaction with the movement of the building. From the past to the present, a wide variety of seismic control methods have been found and applied, together with the modern understanding of seismic design. Using seismic control in buildings increases the functionality of the building and prevents extra structural requirements. This philosophy constitutes an alternative to the conventional seismic design approach, which relies on consuming earthquake energy on its own. With the changing approach, the concepts of seismic design philosophy have changed, and architectural design has been affected from many points by these concepts. Therefore, architects/designers should examine how the decision to use seismic control methods that concern building design decisions from the preliminary design phase will affect the architecture. This study, starting from the historical development of base isolation and energy damping systems, which are widely used among seismic control methods, focuses on new buildings, and new concepts emerging with the modern seismic design approach and their effects on architectural design are discussed in detail. The study’s methodology involves evaluating data from existing literature works, building codes, professionals, and practices. As a result, the architectural design of new buildings in the context of base isolation and energy-damping systems is evaluated in terms of the seismic device–building form relationship, planning and location, architectural details, aesthetics, and user comfort, and knowledge and recommendations are presented to architects/professionals.