Seismic cultures: Vernacular earthquake-resistance strategies in chilean architectural heritage

Abstract

In recent decades there has been an increasing interest in the study of vernacular architecture due to its environmental and cultural value. Together with this, local knowledge in its origin is now considered important intangible heritage from which important lessons for contemporary living can be drawn. In highly seismic areas, the design and building solutions of traditional architecture constitute valuable “vernacular knowledge of earthquake resistance,” which according to recent studies is called “local seismic cultures.” As Chile is one of the most seismic countries in the world, the study of its vernacular architectural heritage from the point of view of earthquake-resistance is an important legacy to uncover. This article aims to make public part of the initial progress of FONDECYT Initiation research project number 11130628, entitled “Rediscovering Vernacular Earthquake-resistant Knowledge: Identification and analysis of built best practice in Chilean masonry architectural heritage.”-resistant Knowledge: Identification and analysis of built best practice in Chilean masonry architectural heritage.”