Define: Building

In architecture, construction, engineering, and real estate development, the word building may refer to one of the following:

1. Any man-made structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or continuous occupancy, or
2. An act of construction.

To differentiate buildings and other structures that are not intended for continuous human occupancy, the latter are called non-building structures. Structural height in technical usage is the height to the highest architectural detail on building from street-level. Depending on how they are classified, spires and masts may or may not be included in this height. Spires and masts used as antennas are not generally included.

Concept

Buildings serve several needs of society. Along with access to food and drinking water, the need for places that are protected from the outdoors and where one can comfortably live, work, eat, sleep, procreate or engage in leisurely activities has always been a top priority for humans. A building as a shelter represents a physical division of the human habitat into the inside (a place of comfort and safety) and the outside (a place that at times may be harsh and harmful). Humans have a remarkable drive to reflect on their lives and express themselves through art. Ever since the first cave paintings, buildings have become objects of artistic expression. In recent years, interest in sustainable planning and building practices has increased in the U.S.

History

The first shelter on Earth constructed by a relatively close ancestor to humans is believed to have been built 500,000 years ago by an ancient ancestor of humans, Homo erectus.

Types

Residential

Residential buildings are called houses/homes. Single-family and multi-family dwellings are typically built as shelter and living spaces. These building types may range from one-room wood-framed, masonry, or adobe dwellings to multi-million-dollar high-rise buildings able to house thousands of people. The definition of a low-rise vs. a high-rise residential building is being debated, but generally, three stories or less is considered low-rise.

Multi-Story

A multi-story building is a building that has multiple floors above ground.

Multi-story buildings aim to increase the area of the building without increasing the area of the land the building is built on, hence saving land and, in most cases, money (depending on the material used and land prices in the area, of course).

Creation

The practice of designing, constructing, and operating buildings is normally a collective effort of different groups of professionals and trades. Depending on the size, complexity, and purpose of a particular building project, the project team may include the following:

• A real estate developer who secures funding for the project;
• One or more financial institutions or other investors that provide the funding
• Local planning and code authorities
• Surveyor who performs an ALTA/ACSM and construction surveys throughout the project;
• Construction managers who coordinate the effort of different groups of project participants;
• Licenced architects and engineers who provide building design and prepare construction documents;
• Landscape architects;
• Interior designers;
• Other consultants;
• Contractors who provide construction services and install building systems such as HVAC, climate control, electrical, plumbing, Decoration, fire protection, security and telecommunications;
• Marketing or leasing agents;
• Facility managers who are responsible for operating the building.

Regardless of their size or intended use, all buildings in the US must comply with zoning ordinances, building codes and other regulations such as fire codes, life safety codes and related standards.

Vehicles—such as trailers, caravans, ships and passenger aircraft—are treated as “buildings” for life safety purposes.

Building Ownership And Funding

• Real estate developer
• Mortgage
• Mortgage loan

Planning And Design

• Urban planning
• Architectural design

Building Services

Conveying Systems

Systems for the transport of people within buildings:

• Elevator
• Escalator
• Moving sidewalks (horizontal and inclined)

Systems for the transport of people between interconnected buildings:

• Skyway
• Underground city

Building Damage

Buildings may be damaged during the construction of the building or during maintenance. There are several other reasons behind building damage, like an accident. Buildings also may suffer from fire damage in special circumstances.

Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 10th April, 2024.