Building

Definition and History of Buildings
– A building is a structure with a roof and walls, standing permanently in one place.
– Buildings can include fences or walls.
– Buildings differ from architecture in excluding artistic treatment.
– Structural height refers to the highest architectural detail on the building from street level.
– Low-rise buildings are generally considered to have three stories or less.
– Homebuilding dates back to around 18,000 BC.
– Buildings became common during the Neolithic period.
– The history of architecture is closely linked to the development of buildings.
– Architectural styles have evolved over time.
– Different civilizations have contributed to the architectural heritage.

Types of Buildings
– Residential buildings include houses, apartments, and condominiums.
– Commercial buildings house businesses such as stores, restaurants, and hotels.
– Industrial buildings are used for heavy industries like manufacturing.
– Agricultural buildings, such as barns, are found on farms.
– Some buildings have mixed-use, combining commercial and residential spaces.
– Single-family residential buildings are commonly referred to as houses.
– Multi-family residential buildings include duplexes, apartment buildings, and condominiums.
– Hotels can also be classified as residential buildings, especially extended-stay hotels.

Creation and Ownership of Buildings
– Designing, constructing, and operating buildings involve various professionals and trades.
– Collaboration is essential in the building process.
– The creation of buildings requires expertise in architecture, engineering, and construction.
– Building codes and regulations ensure safety and compliance.
– Sustainable planning and building practices are increasingly prioritized.
– Real estate developers secure funding for the project.
– Financial institutions or investors provide funding.
– Mortgage loans are commonly used for ownership and funding.

Environmental Impact of Buildings
– Buildings account for 37% of global energy use and CO2 emissions.
– Global CO2 emissions from building materials manufacturing are 39%.
– Without new construction technologies, emissions could double by 2050.
– All-glass buildings contribute to climate change due to energy inefficiency.
– Existing buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy consumption.
– The production of building materials, such as steel and glass, contributes to carbon emissions and resource depletion.
– Sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials can help reduce environmental impact.
– Construction waste generated from building projects contributes to landfill pollution and resource wastage.

Building Services, Damage, and Resilience
– Physical plant infrastructure includes heating, cooling, power, and telecommunications.
– Commercial buildings have complex systems requiring regular maintenance.
– Conveying systems include elevators, escalators, and moving sidewalks.
– Skyways and underground cities transport people between interconnected buildings.
– Buildings may be damaged during construction or maintenance.
– Accidents, storms, explosions, and subsidence can cause damage.
– Fire damage and flooding are common risks.
– Lack of maintenance or improper alterations can lead to dilapidation.
– Mining, water withdrawal, and poor foundations can cause damage.
– Monitoring technologies and assessment methods help control and mitigate building damage.
– Building resilience involves designing structures that can withstand and recover from natural disasters.
– Bioclimatic design principles and sustainable architecture promote energy efficiency and environmental harmony.