Abstract: A force resisting structure for providing lateral support to a structure includes first and second substantially vertical structural members. These structural members each have first and second ends, the first ends being secured to an exterior support or structure. A third structural member having a first end connected to the first structural member and a second end connected to the second structural member is also included. The structure also includes means for movably connecting the third structural member to the first structural member so as to provide selective predetermined relative motion between these members when a lateral load is applied to the structure. Alternatively, the structure may include primary and secondary lateral bracing members extending in parallel from the first end of the first structural member to the second end of the second structural member.