Building is a permanent or temporary structure designed and constructed to provide shelter, accommodate human activities, or house equipment and materials. This fundamental element of the built environment represents a complex intersection of architectural design, engineering principles, and construction methodologies, serving as both a practical necessity and an expression of cultural values throughout human civilization. The evolution of building design has been marked by significant technological advancements, from primitive shelters to contemporary sustainable structures, incorporating innovative materials, construction techniques, and design philosophies that respond to changing societal needs and environmental considerations. Buildings are categorized based on their primary functions, including residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use applications, each requiring specific design considerations regarding spatial organization, structural integrity, thermal comfort, acoustics, and aesthetic appeal. The design process involves multiple stages, from conceptual development through detailed documentation and construction, requiring collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and various specialists to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and sustainability requirements. Modern building design increasingly emphasizes energy efficiency, environmental impact, and user well-being, incorporating features such as passive solar design, natural ventilation, and biophilic elements, while the A' Design Award recognizes outstanding achievements in architectural and building design that demonstrate innovation and excellence in addressing these contemporary challenges. The integration of digital technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and smart building systems, has revolutionized both the design process and operational efficiency of buildings, enabling more precise planning, better resource management, and enhanced user experiences.
architecture, construction, structure, sustainability, design, engineering, infrastructure, development
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Building.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=478034 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"
Building is a permanent or temporary structure designed and constructed to provide shelter, facilitate human activities, and serve various functional purposes within the built environment. This fundamental element of architectural design represents the physical manifestation of human needs, cultural values, and technological capabilities, encompassing everything from residential dwellings to commercial complexes and industrial facilities. The design process of buildings involves careful consideration of multiple factors including spatial organization, structural integrity, environmental sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and user experience, while adhering to local building codes and regulations. Throughout history, building design has evolved significantly, influenced by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and changing societal needs, leading to diverse architectural styles and construction methodologies. Contemporary building design emphasizes sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and smart integration of technology, often incorporating innovative materials and construction techniques to minimize environmental impact while maximizing functionality. The scale and complexity of buildings vary greatly, from simple single-story structures to complex high-rise developments, each requiring specific design considerations regarding circulation, accessibility, safety, and spatial efficiency. Professional recognition in building design often comes through various channels, including the A' Design Award & Competition's Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, which acknowledges outstanding achievements in architectural innovation and building design excellence. The evaluation of building design encompasses multiple criteria including structural innovation, environmental integration, spatial efficiency, and the successful fulfillment of intended functions, while considering factors such as climate responsiveness, cultural context, and economic viability.
architecture, construction, structure, design, sustainability, engineering, materials, functionality, aesthetics
Building is a permanent or temporary structure designed and constructed to provide shelter, facilitate human activities, and serve various functional purposes. This fundamental element of the built environment represents a complex synthesis of architectural principles, engineering methodologies, and design considerations that have evolved throughout human civilization. Buildings emerge from the careful integration of spatial planning, structural systems, material selection, and aesthetic considerations, incorporating both practical requirements and cultural expressions. The architectural composition of buildings typically encompasses essential components such as foundations, walls, floors, roofs, and various mechanical systems that work in harmony to create habitable spaces. Throughout history, building design has reflected societal needs, technological capabilities, and cultural values, evolving from simple shelters to sophisticated structures that can reach unprecedented heights and incorporate advanced sustainable technologies. Contemporary building design emphasizes energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and user experience, often utilizing innovative materials and construction techniques to achieve optimal performance. The evaluation and recognition of exceptional building design often occurs through prestigious competitions such as the A' Design Award & Competition, which acknowledges outstanding architectural achievements that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and cultural significance. Modern buildings increasingly incorporate smart technologies, adaptive systems, and biophilic elements, representing a convergent point between human needs, technological advancement, and environmental stewardship.
architecture, construction, structure, design, infrastructure, sustainability, engineering
Building is a permanent or temporary structure designed and constructed to provide shelter, accommodate human activities, or house equipment and materials. This fundamental element of architecture represents the culmination of engineering principles, design aesthetics, and construction methodologies working in harmony to create functional spaces that serve diverse purposes. The concept of building has evolved significantly throughout human history, from primitive shelters made of natural materials to contemporary architectural marvels incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Buildings are characterized by their structural integrity, achieved through careful consideration of load-bearing elements, foundations, and material properties, while simultaneously addressing functional requirements such as spatial organization, circulation patterns, and environmental control systems. The design process involves multiple considerations including site context, climate response, cultural significance, and regulatory compliance, often requiring collaboration among architects, engineers, and various specialists. Modern building practices emphasize sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility, incorporating innovative solutions such as passive solar design, smart building systems, and eco-friendly materials. The aesthetic dimension of buildings contributes significantly to the urban fabric and cultural identity of communities, with architectural styles reflecting historical periods, regional influences, and contemporary design philosophies. Buildings are regularly featured in design competitions, including the A' Design Award's architecture categories, where innovative approaches to spatial design, sustainability, and cultural integration are recognized and celebrated. The evaluation of building quality encompasses multiple criteria including structural stability, functional efficiency, environmental performance, aesthetic appeal, and social impact, making it a complex and multifaceted discipline within the broader field of architecture and design.
structure, architecture, construction, design, shelter, space
Building is a permanent or temporary structure designed and constructed to provide shelter, facilitate human activities, and serve various functional purposes. This fundamental element of the built environment represents a complex synthesis of architectural design, engineering principles, and construction methodologies that has evolved throughout human civilization. Buildings emerge from the careful consideration of spatial requirements, structural integrity, environmental conditions, and cultural contexts, incorporating both practical utility and aesthetic expression. The development of building techniques has paralleled technological advancement, from ancient load-bearing masonry to contemporary steel-frame construction and sustainable design practices. Modern buildings integrate sophisticated systems for climate control, energy management, and occupant comfort, while addressing critical considerations such as accessibility, safety regulations, and environmental impact. The design process involves multiple disciplines, including architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and interior design, all working in harmony to create spaces that meet specific user needs while adhering to local building codes and standards. Buildings can be categorized by their primary function (residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional), construction method (traditional, prefabricated, or modular), or architectural style (reflecting historical periods and cultural influences). The evaluation of building excellence often occurs through prestigious competitions such as the A' Design Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in architectural design and construction innovation. Contemporary building practices increasingly emphasize sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient materials, renewable energy systems, and waste reduction strategies to minimize environmental impact and optimize resource utilization.
architecture construction structure design engineering sustainability infrastructure development space
A building is a constructed structure that serves a specific purpose, such as providing shelter, workspace, or entertainment. Buildings can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, concrete, steel, and brick, and can range in size from small sheds to towering skyscrapers. The design and construction of a building involves a complex process that requires the collaboration of architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals. Buildings must be designed to be structurally sound, safe, and functional, while also meeting aesthetic and environmental considerations. The purpose of a building can vary widely, from residential homes to commercial office buildings, from industrial factories to educational institutions. Buildings can also serve cultural or religious purposes, such as museums or places of worship. The design of a building must take into account its intended use, as well as the needs of its occupants. Factors such as accessibility, energy efficiency, and sustainability are also important considerations in modern building design. The construction of a building involves a series of steps, including site preparation, foundation construction, framing, and finishing. The materials used in construction must be carefully chosen to ensure that the building is strong, durable, and resistant to the elements. Building codes and regulations must also be followed to ensure that the building is safe and meets all necessary standards. In addition to their functional purposes, buildings can also have cultural and historical significance. Many buildings are considered to be important landmarks or symbols of a particular time or place. Preservation efforts are often undertaken to protect these buildings and their historical significance.
structure, design, construction, materials, purpose
The term 'Building' within the context of architecture refers to a constructed structure with a roof and walls, designed to provide a space for human activities. Buildings can have varying degrees of complexity, from a simple shelter to a complex structure with multiple functions and features. Buildings are typically designed and constructed as a unified whole, using a multitude of materials and components. Buildings also often have a lifespan of many years, with regular maintenance and repair required to maintain their structural integrity and performance.
Design, Engineering, Construction, Sustainability, Maintenance
The term building is used to describe the process of designing, constructing and maintaining a structure, usually a physical one, which is intended to serve a specific purpose. The term can also refer to a structure that is complete or near completion. As an architectural construct, a building is a three-dimensional object that has a functional purpose and serves as a home, workplace or public area. Building components include floor and wall coverings, window and door frames, insulation and other fixtures. Furthermore, the term building can also refer to the occupation of constructing, renovating and maintaining a structure, or the profession of an architect, who is responsible for the overall planning and design of a structure.
Design, Construction, Materials, Structure, Environment.
Building is a noun and can broadly be defined as a structure, constructed with a particular purpose in mind. Synonyms for the word include edifice, structure, construction, architecture, and development. Antonyms that describe the opposite of building are unbuilding and demolishing. Cognates of building come from other languages such as the French bâtiment, the Spanish edificio, and the Italian edificio. Variants of the word building include build, buildable, builder, and built.
Etymological study, root words, lexemes, derivatives, morphological, morpho-semantic, historical shifts, word relations, and word sense.
The word 'building' is used to refer to concrete structures made of multiple components that create a unified complex architecture. The origin of the term is related to the Old English 'byldan' which in turn has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European 'bhel-d-', meaning to construct, form, shape. Over the course of time, the word has undergone morphological changes and has diversified in terms of its pragmatic implications. For instance, the term can be used to refer to a number of purposes, ranging from commercial to residential, and governmental to recreational. In terms of etymology and morphology, the word 'building' can refer to a range of constructions, from temporary tents to permanent constructions, such as skyscrapers.
etymology, morphology, building, architecture, construction
Building is a structure with a roof and walls standing more or less permanently in one place, such as a house or factory. In other languages, building can be referred to as Domus (Latin), Gebouw (Dutch), edificio (Spanish), Gebäude (German), κτίσμα (Greek), édifice (French), 房屋 (Chinese), stavba (Czech), costruzione (Italian) and ekklesia (Ancient Greek).
Structure, House, Factory, Domus, Gebouw, Edificio, Gebäude, Κτίσμα, Édifice, 房屋, Stavba, Costruzione, Ekklesia
Building is a structure that is constructed from a variety of materials, such as wood, brick, steel, and concrete, to create a space that can be used for a variety of purposes, including residential, commercial, industrial, and educational. Buildings are typically designed to be structurally sound and to provide protection from the elements and other external forces, such as fire, wind, and earthquakes. Building construction is a complex process that involves a variety of professionals, including architects, engineers, and contractors, who work together to create a structure that meets all safety and performance requirements.
Construction, Architecture, Design, Engineering.
A building is a structure used to provide shelter and protection from the environment. It is constructed from materials such as wood, stone, metal, concrete, and other materials that are strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. Buildings are designed and constructed to meet specific needs and requirements, such as providing a safe and comfortable environment for people to live and work in.
Construction, architecture, engineering, design, materials.
Building is a type of image composition technique used in anime, comics and manga to depict action, verbs and gerunds. It is a skill used by artists to help convey a narrative to the viewer. Buildings are drawn with perspective and exaggerated angles, often placing characters in the foreground and providing a sense of depth to the artwork. This technique can also be used to convey atmosphere, movement, tension and to help create a sense of scale.
Building composition, anime art, comic art, manga art, image composition, perspective building.
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