Role of Architects in the Seismic Performance of Conventional Medium-rise Buildings by Using the Experiences of Past Earthquakes

From the beginning of the modernism, when architects began to use the aesthetic characteristics of steel and concrete structures in the building, new seismic configuration problems appeared; despite the existence of seismic codes, sometimes safety level in buildings is not achieved due to lack of attention in design and implementation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of architects in the seismic performance of conventional medium-rise buildings by using the experiences of past earthquakes. Information and methods: In the present empirical study, regarding the broad view approach of the research, an experimental laboratory was used by observing damages of RC and steel structure buildings in past earthquakes. All the analytical data in 5 areas, including soil and site conditions, geometry and configuration of architectures, geometry and configuration of structures, architectural details, and structural details were adapted with the process of study, design, and implementation through logical argumentation method. Finally, all potential damages were set as a basic control matrix for use by architects. Findings: According to the 5-part spectral model, unlike the initial impression that only the structural engineer is responsible for seismic resistant design of RC and steel structure buildings, and contrary to the view of some other researchers who consider that the role of architects is limited to the basic design of buildings form, architects play a decisive role on a wide range of factors affecting the seismic performance of buildings in the study, design, and implementation process. Architects play a decisive role on a wide range of factors affecting the seismic performance of buildings in the study, design, and implementation process.