Final answer:
Key elements requiring attention in seismic-safe building design include foundations, load-bearing walls, and roof structures, with the use of modern construction technologies and specific architectural features such as buttresses and iron rods enhancing seismic safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements in the building envelope that require the most design and construction attention to ensure seismic safety are the structural support systems, such as the foundations, load-bearing walls, and roof structures. During an earthquake, the lateral forces can cause roofs, especially large-span roofs like those of gymnasiums and churches, to fail more frequently than those of family homes due to the potential for resonance and the larger surface area susceptible to seismic waves.
Utilizing modern construction technology with computer-aided design and prefabricated materials can improve accuracy and stability, while integrating elements like buttresses and iron rods can counter lateral forces and provide additional support.
Considering the diversity of conditions, such as local geology and seismic activity, designing for earthquake safety is complex. It also encompasses the choice of building materials that can withstand seismic forces and the adoption of design features that respond to the particular challenges posed by local conditions, including seismic activity. Testing labs for earthquake stability are crucial in assessing the resilience of the materials and the building design overall.