1. Flexibility: The design should allow for some degree of flexibility, without compromising structural integrity, so that the building can sway during an earthquake.
2. Strength: The facade must be designed to withstand the forces of an earthquake. It should have the strength to resist lateral forces, such as wind, and vertical loading forces created by the building's weight.
3. Material Selection: Choosing materials that can absorb seismic energy can help dissipate the impact of an earthquake and protect the building from damage. Materials such as reinforced concrete or steel-framed structures are recommended for seismically sound facades.
4. Anchoring: All elements of the facade need to be adequately anchored to the structure to prevent them from falling during an earthquake.
5. Proportions: The proportions of the facade have a direct impact on its performance during an earthquake. The higher the building, the more attention needs to be devoted to the facade design.
6. Damping: Damping systems can also be incorporated to absorb seismic energy and dissipate the forces before they can damage the building's structure.
7. Dynamic analysis: Architects need to conduct a rigorous dynamic analysis to determine the building's natural frequencies and modes of vibration, which will inform the design of the facade.
8. Building codes and regulations: Any design needs to conform to local building codes and regulations regarding seismic safety.
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