Earthquake's background - GERB in California David Ming Li Lowe

"When you consider the evolution of architecture, you will find it developed out of a very simple, basic idea: security," reflects architect and LACC professor David Ming-Li Lowe. "The history of home design grew out of a need for a safeguard against danger"

A resident of Southern California for almost 35 years, Lowe has long been aware that one of the greatest threats to homeowners here is that of a devastating earthquake. But it was not until three years ago, when he considered the problem as an architect, that Lowe began working on a solution.

Two steel-frame townhouses that incorporate a revolutionary new design technique are currently being built in West L.A. - Lowe says they will make houses of the future virtually earthquake-proof. Each townhouse is built on a network of earthquake bases. These structures do not rest, rather "float" on 17 low- frequency, wide-displacement, elastic, isolated bases, each consisting of a series of springs surrounding a central "visco-damper" core that supports the frame of the house at key locations, each of which is computer-calculated for the precise tributary load of that area. They are, in effect, shock absorbers, designed to absorb the movement of even the most potentially dangerous earthquake.

"While this is innovative technology for Southern California, "Lowe points out, "it has been in use for many years in Europe." When Lowe first began developing his earthquake bases, he discovered that the Gerb Corporation of Essen, Germany has been employing similar devices in the foundation of their generators and nuclear plants for many years. Lowe joined forces with Gerb to adapt the design of the bases to residential building, and then introduce the bases to the architectural industry of Southern California.

"The trend in the architectural design of Southern California remains primarily one of aesthetics, "says Lowe, " with little or no attention paid to the long-term soundness of a structure's design and in particular to its ability to withstand the shock waves of a severe earthquake. As an architect, naturally I am interested in developing this new technology. I want the houses I build to last at least 100 years." - extracted from article by Steve Cerutti

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