Quaking in the Boot: Approaches to Seismic-Resistant Design in Historic Northern Italian Architecture

Quaking in the Boot analyzes construction methods and materials from both historic vernacular Italian and modern contexts to develop a series of interventions aimed at preventing seismic-related damage. It challenges two assumptions or standard practices of architectural and structural design. First, that modern is always better—that newer materials and construction techniques are preferable and result in more force resistance and less damage. This can lead to forgetting historic methods that are effective and relate to local materials, craftsmanship, and history.

Second, this project challenges siloed approaches to design. Often architects, engineers, and historic preservationists work independently from, and linear to, each other. This thesis proposes a multilateral approach in which architecture, structure, historic preservation, and context are considered simultaneously during all phases of design.

Quaking in the Boot is based in Ferrara, Italy, because of two series of earthquakes—one in the 1570s, the other in 2012—that each resulted in multiple deaths and caused significant damage to the built environment. It uses the Palazzo di Renata di Francia as a case study to propose three distinct designs to enable the continued use of the building. All three respond to existing structural stabilization needs to both strengthen the structure and prevent damage from future earthquakes. The first maintains the existing elevations, as if the Palazzo has been frozen in time. The second allows for changes to the façades while ensuring coherence with the surroundings. The third proposal hypothesizes the building’s eventual collapse; it uses more distinctive structural systems to enable the current walls to crumble while allowing for the continued use of the existing floor and roof.