Seismic Sustainability of a Contemporary Architectural Expression" Chapter on “Conceptual Approach to Structural Design

A correct structural design should derive from the contemporary contribution of the architectural and engineered components. The "architectural concept" should account for the structural design criteria since the very beginning of its development. This is especially true for an earthquake resistant structure, indeed some resistance principles could conflict with some architectural composition principles traditionally based on the consideration of only static actions. With this aim, new seismic protection technologies can mitigate the apparent conflict between architectural expression and structural requirements. The paper deals with the sample design of a transportation intermodal building capable to distinguish itself from the current anonymous industrial buildings. The design principle consists of creating an internal flexible space with an exterior in-view structure contradicting the traditional idea of structural frame. It starts on with a research of architectures in nature: the external structural skeleton is conceived from textures derived from images of trees. The design of the building accounts for up-to-date construction technologies. Precast prestressed long-span thin slabs are provided. The full seismic protection is achieved by means of a base isolation system, taking advantage of having all the vertical loads carrying structures along the perimeter. An architectural solution for eliminating the gap at the building base is also conceived