Architectural structure
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An architectural structure is a free-standing, immobile outdoor constructed element. The structure may be temporary or permanent.
Structures include buildings (occupied—habitable) and nonbuilding structures (non-occupied—habitable). Examples of building structures include houses, town halls, libraries, and skyscrapers. Examples of nonbuilding structures include bridges, monuments and memorials, dams, windmills, and lookout towers.
[edit] Structure or building
Often the words architectural structure and buildings are confused, because in many languages one word covers both. However, a building is a type of architectural structure used for supporting and sheltering continuous occupancy or habitation. Buildings are therefore normally enclosed structures, while nonbuilding structures may be open to the environment.
[edit] Temporary structures
Some structures are temporary, built for ephemeral events such as trade shows, conferences, or theatre, and often dismantled after use. Temporary structures have fewer constraints relating to future use and durability, and often comprise lightweight forms such as tents, which are quicker to erect, take down, and re-use.
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[edit] See also
- Index: Buildings and structures by type
- List of human habitation forms
- Structural engineering
- Structural system
