Abstract
Referring to the past studies and literature of the human behavior in architectural space under disasterous situations, the diversity of behavioral patterns has been reviewed denying the occurence of "Panic Behavior". Behavior of occupants in the dwellings of Urakawa, Hokkaido, during the Off-Urakawa Earthquake of March 21 has been traced precisely. Actions taken by the 55 subjects during the peak ground motion lasted 45 seconds were grouped into 9 categories, most of which were for the prevention of human injury and physical damage. The choice of actions has been strongly influenced by social situations and roles defined by the relation with houses and other occupants. Wives were the most active performers among occupants and living rooms were the major stages for their actions. Based on the behavioral characteristics, a design guide for the dwellings in active seismic zone has been proposed which assigns living rooms to safe inside refuge in and through which people can persue a series of responsible actions expected to conduct in earthquake situations.
