This dissertation addresses the evaluation of earthquake resilience in urban systems through their spatial capacity to ensure residents’ quality of life, with emphasis on the role of open spaces as a key component of urban resilience. A review of existing research reveals a lack of integrated approaches that consider physical, social, and spatial dimensions of resilience across all phases of a seismic event. In response, the main objective was to develop a methodologically consistent and applicable model for assessing urban earthquake resilience and identifying the potential of open spaces to support urban functioning during crisis conditions.
The proposed model conceptualizes the city as a multilayered socio-spatial system composed of four components: built structures, infrastructure, society, and open space. Each component is assigned spatial, functional, and vulnerability parameters, which are combined into a unified network model. Urban functionality is defined as the ability of residents to access functions that enable the fulfilment of basic human needs. The model integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, including seismic vulnerability assessment using fragility curves, accessibility analysis based on graph theory, and expert evaluation of functions and open spaces through the AHP method.
The application of the model to a selected case study (Brežice) confirmed its relevance while revealing a gap between the theoretical framework and its practical implementation, particularly in addressing the social component, where limited data required simplified procedures. The analysis showed that even moderate physical damage can cause significant functional disruption if key services become inaccessible. Open spaces proved to be a vital spatial and social asset for temporary shelter and community resilience.
Despite practical limitations, the model enables the identification of critical locations and spatial bottlenecks and offers a basis for planning measures to enhance urban resilience. The dissertation contributes to the development of integrated methodological approaches for assessing earthquake resilience in urban contexts.
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