Performance-Based Seismic Design Succeeds in Turkey

Engineers are known for the kinds of innovative, "blue-sky"thinking that have resulted in mobile phones and driver-assistance technology, but such creative approaches are not always feasible in the field of structural engineering. It is for the most part a profession that relies heavily on formulas and building codes. But even within the confines of structural engineering, there is room for innovation and outside-the-box thinking. That is what happened with the design of the Başakşehir Pine and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul. The Arup-led design team established project-specific seismic performance objectives aligned with the owner's risk tolerance, explored structural system alternatives that met these performance objectives, and delivered an optimized design on time. © 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.