The International Union of Architects (UIA) Heritage and Cultural Identity work programme organised a webinar dedicated to the intersection between earthquakes and cultural heritage. This event explored the impacts of seismic activity on historic buildings and cultural assets, as well as innovative approaches to modernisation and conservation.
About the Webinar
Earthquakes have always been one of the greatest threats to cultural and architectural heritage around the world. Many historic structures, designed centuries ago without the benefit of modern engineering techniques, have proved highly vulnerable to seismic activity. Preserving these sites has been not only a technical challenge, but also a cultural imperative, as these buildings and monuments are essential to understanding our history, identity and shared heritage.
During this webinar, experts from Nepal, Italy and Turkey shared their experiences, research and innovative practices in seismic retrofitting and the protection of cultural assets. Participants were able to discover real-life case studies and gain valuable insights into global strategies to ensure the resilience of cultural heritage in the face of natural disasters.
Programme Highlights
Anju Malla Pradhan (Nepal) and Kassim Mwamba Omar (Kenya), Co-Directors of the UIA Heritage and Cultural Identity Work Programme, provided an overview of the session and reflected on its implications for global architectural practices.
Speakers:
- Kriti Rajkarnikar (Nepal): A Case Study on Traditional Buildings of Dhulikhel – Protection of Cultural Assets Against Earthquakes
- Sergio Lagomarsino (Italy): Guidelines for Seismic Retrofitting and Conservation of Historical Buildings – The Italian Experience
- Umut Almaç (Turkey): The Impact of February 6, 2023, Earthquakes on Architectural Heritage in South-eastern Turkey
Moderation by:
Zeynep Eres (Turkey), Member-UIA Heritage and Cultural Identity Work Programme and an expert in cultural heritage and disaster resilience.
Coordinators:
Monica Bahia Schlee (Brazil) and Samer Helmy Kasem (Egypt).
Issues discussed
This webinar provided a unique opportunity for architects, engineers, policymakers, and conservation specialists to:
- Learned from global experts about best practices in seismic retrofitting and conservation.
- Explored case studies that illustrated the challenges and successes of protecting cultural assets in earthquake-prone regions.
- Gained a deeper understanding of the role of architecture and engineering in preserving cultural heritage.
- Engaged with a global network of professionals committed to safeguarding history for future generations.