A Historical Overview of Seismic –Resilient Architecture in Cyprus | Chapter 2 | Theory and Applications of Engineering Research Vol. 3

This study conducts a detailed exploration of Cyprus's architectural evolution against the context of its seismic vulnerability. Positioned at the intersection of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, the island's architectural narrative is profoundly shaped by its geological context. We methodically trace the development of architectural styles and construction methodologies from the Venetian era to the present day, focusing on adaptive responses to seismic challenges. The research critically examines the architectural transformations under successive regimes – Frankish, Venetian, Ottoman, British, and post-independence Cypriot governance. Each period introduced distinct architectural elements and construction techniques: Frankish pointed arches and ribbed vaults, Venetian limestone and timber truss structures, Ottoman robust masonry walls with wooden reinforcements, British colonial architecture merging local and imperial styles, and the modern era’s shift to reinforced concrete and steel. This study evaluates how these diverse architectural approaches not only reflect Cyprus’s cultural evolution but also represent strategic responses to its seismic risk profile. The post-1974 period, marked by the implementation of seismic codes and the integration of advanced structural materials such as high-strength rebars and sophisticated concrete classes, receives particular attention. Through an interdisciplinary lens combining architectural history and seismic engineering, this research illuminates the symbiotic relationship between cultural shifts and structural innovation in Cyprus’s enduring resilience to seismic events. The findings offer critical insights for a spectrum of professionals in architecture, historical conservation, and structural engineering.

Author(s) Details:

Georgios Xekalakis,
Frederick Research Center, Pallouriotissa, Nicosia 1036, Cyprus.

Petros Christou,
Frederick University Cyprus, Y. Frederickou 7, Nicosia 1036, Cyprus.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/TAER-V3/article/view/13033