A New Look at Earthquake Engineering: Simplification of a Complex Phenomenon

The worth of an individual and the merits of a scientist and teacher can be assessed through his wisdom, capabilities, leadership and ultimately in his high moral and social fiber. I have known Luis Esteva since the 1970’s through his works, from the ‘80’s through conferences, and the ‘90’s by working with him after the Manjil earthquake in Iran. I can testify that Luis will always be recognized as a devoted scientist with the highest human values. Luis’s vision and contributions to seismic hazard analysis, earthquake engineering, building code development and risk reduction implementation—which are well-known—have contributed to the saving of countless lives. What better contribution can a man make in life? After the June, 1990 Manjil earthquake in Iran, Luis became the technical expert for the World Bank Reconstruction Project in Iran. I have worked closely with him for the development of the Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Program in Iran. When we, for the first time, proposed that 5-10% of the reconstruction loan for WB projects be devoted to research and development, it was through his support that this new initiative was approved. Since then, it has become an integral part of all WB reconstruction projects. His foresight, contributions to and leadership in the design of the Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Program in Iran made the Manjil earthquake a turning point in risk reduction in Iran, as was his cooperation in the First International Conference Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (SEE-1) in May 1991, attended by more than 1,200 young scientists with strong desires to reduce the earthquake risk in their country. I could mention many more experiences--each one of them contributing to saving lives. Finally, Luis’s calm, humble, sincere, cooperative, helpful and friendly behavior (characteristics of a true teacher) make a him an unforgettable gentleman. I believe that it is his great worth and high moral fiber that prevents Luis from growing old. For as long as I can remember, he hasn’t changed.