Short answer
To successfully implement seismic-resilient designs, focus on clearly communicating the benefits of superior structural performance, simplifying construction processes, and leveraging positive publicity to gain client and stakeholder buy-in.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (2022)
- Method
- Qualitative research through expert interviews
- Sample
- 6 case study structures (number of engineers interviewed not explicitly stated but implied to be one per structure)
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The adoption of seismic-resilient building designs is primarily influenced by demonstrable structural performance, straightforward construction processes, and the potential for positive public perception. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering. Using Qualitative research through expert interviews with 6 case study structures (number of engineers interviewed not explicitly stated but implied to be one per structure), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: To successfully implement seismic-resilient designs, focus on clearly communicating the benefits of superior structural performance, simplifying construction processes, and leveraging positive publicity to gain client and stakeholder buy-in.
Client and engineer buy-in for seismic resilience driven by performance, ease of construction, and positive publicity
The adoption of seismic-resilient building designs is primarily influenced by demonstrable structural performance, straightforward construction processes, and the potential for positive public perception.
Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering · 2022
Key Findings
- 01Structural performance, ease of construction, and publicity were the main factors driving the adoption of seismic-resilient designs.
- 02Key issues for new resilient systems include durability, constructability, cost, and the need for better design and construction aids.
- 03Increasing client and public awareness is essential to drive demand for seismic-resilient buildings.
Application
Design takeaway
To successfully implement seismic-resilient designs, focus on clearly communicating the benefits of superior structural performance, simplifying construction processes, and leveraging positive publicity to gain client and stakeholder buy-in.
How to apply
When proposing resilient building solutions, gather data on structural performance improvements, develop simplified construction methodologies, and prepare compelling case studies that highlight successful outcomes and positive public reception.
Project actions
- 01When researching resilient design, consider how you will measure and communicate 'ease of construction' and 'publicity value'.
- 02Investigate the specific seismic resilience technologies relevant to your project context and their documented performance benefits.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Focuses on real-world decision-making drivers from industry professionals.
- +Provides practical insights into barriers and enablers for resilient design adoption.
- +Contextualizes findings within a significant urban reconstruction effort.
Limitations
The findings are specific to the Christchurch rebuild context, which may have unique drivers due to recent seismic events. The study relies on interviews, which can be subject to individual interpretation and recall bias.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of findings may be influenced by the qualitative nature of interviews and the specific experiences of the interviewed engineers. Validity is strengthened by focusing on a real-world case study context and the direct experiences of professionals involved in seismic-resilient design.
Think critically
To what extent do the 'publicity' drivers for seismic resilience reflect genuine public interest in safety versus a desire for positive project branding, and how might this influence the long-term sustainability of such designs?
Design Principles
"Prioritize demonstrable performance, constructability, and stakeholder perception when advocating for advanced or resilient design solutions."
Understanding these key drivers is crucial for promoting the widespread adoption of resilient design strategies. By highlighting these benefits, designers and engineers can better communicate the value proposition to clients and stakeholders, fostering a greater demand for safer and more durable built environments.
What This Means for Your Design
People choose earthquake-safe buildings because they work well, are easy to build, and make the project look good. To get more of these buildings, we need to make them last longer, be cheaper, and tell everyone how good they are.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the selection of specific resilient design strategies in your project, linking your choices to client and engineer decision drivers.
- 2.Incorporate findings on constructability and the need for design aids to inform your own design development and documentation.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The adoption of seismic-resilient building designs is significantly influenced by a combination of factors, including demonstrable structural performance, ease of construction, and the potential for positive publicity. Research indicates that clients and engineers are more likely to invest in resilient technologies when these benefits are clearly articulated and realized. Furthermore, the development and promotion of new resilient systems must address practical concerns such as durability, constructability, and cost, alongside the provision of comprehensive design and construction support to encourage wider uptake.
Source
Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering
Key drivers in using low damage seismic designs in Christchurch buildings
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about client and engineer buy-in for seismic resilience driven by performance, ease of construction, and positive publicity?
- To successfully implement seismic-resilient designs, focus on clearly communicating the benefits of superior structural performance, simplifying construction processes, and leveraging positive publicity to gain client and stakeholder buy-in. Evidence: Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (2022).
- Why does "Client and engineer buy-in for seismic resilience driven by performance, ease of construction, and positive publicity" matter for design?
- Understanding these key drivers is crucial for promoting the widespread adoption of resilient design strategies. By highlighting these benefits, designers and engineers can better communicate the value proposition to clients and stakeholders, fostering a greater demand for safer and more durable built environments.
- How can designers apply this research?
- To successfully implement seismic-resilient designs, focus on clearly communicating the benefits of superior structural performance, simplifying construction processes, and leveraging positive publicity to gain client and stakeholder buy-in.
- What were the main findings?
- Structural performance, ease of construction, and publicity were the main factors driving the adoption of seismic-resilient designs.. Key issues for new resilient systems include durability, constructability, cost, and the need for better design and construction aids.. Increasing client and public awareness is essential to drive demand for seismic-resilient buildings.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research through expert interviews with 6 case study structures (number of engineers interviewed not explicitly stated but implied to be one per structure).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When proposing resilient building solutions, gather data on structural performance improvements, develop simplified construction methodologies, and prepare compelling case studies that highlight successful outcomes and positive public reception.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is based on a limited number of case studies in a specific geographical context (Christchurch). Findings may not be generalizable to all regions or building types. The influence of regulatory requirements was not explicitly detailed.