an architect is deciding an office building in an area that can experience earthquakes which component would it be most important to strengthen in order to allow the building to withstand an additional forces exerted during an earthquake

The most important component to strengthen in order to allow the office building to withstand the additional forces exerted during an earthquake would be the structural system of the building. This includes the foundation, columns, beams, and connections between structural elements. Strengthening these components can help prevent the building from collapsing or suffering significant damage during an earthquake. Other components such as windows, walls, and non-structural elements can also be reinforced to increase the building's overall seismic performance.