Building

A building is a permanent structure built by people, typically with a roof, walls and foundation, constructed on a specific plot of land. Its primary purpose is to create an enclosed interior space that provides shelter from rain, sun, wind and temperature, and can be used as a residence, workplace, commercial space, place of worship or storage.

Buildings are classified by their function, number of storeys and materials of construction. They are distinguished from other engineering structures such as bridges, dams and towers, which do not have enclosed interior spaces for human habitation. The English term 'building' and Arabic 'مبنى' have the same meaning.

Principal components

A typical building comprises a foundation (the underground part that bears the structure's weight), walls or load-bearing columns, floor slabs that separate each storey, and a roof. It includes doors, windows, stairs and service networks: water supply, sewage, electrical and ventilation systems.

Building materials

Common materials include stone, mud brick and mortar, concrete (a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and water), reinforced concrete, wood and glass. Each region uses locally available materials: some countries favour wood and timber, others use concrete and steel. Materials affect load capacity, cost and the building's resistance to earthquakes and fire.

Design and construction

The process typically proceeds through stages: site planning and surveying, engineering and architectural design, obtaining local authority approval, construction, and then quality inspection and handover. Designers consider load, wind, earthquakes, fire safety and emergency exit routes.

Regulations and energy

Many countries have building codes that specify safety standards, permitted uses and distances between structures. In recent years there has been increased construction of energy-efficient buildings: thermal insulation, double-glazed windows and use of solar power.