Architecture

AT&T Stadium A multi-purpose retractable-roof stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys and a major venue for sports, concerts and large-scale events since 2009.

Atrium (architectural space) Atrium An atrium is a large open interior space in a building, originally from Roman houses and now common in modern public and commercial architecture for light, circulation, and social…

Attic (Loft): Space Directly Beneath a Building's Roof Attic An attic is the space immediately under a building's roof, commonly used for storage or converted to living space. It influences insulation, ventilation and access, and has specifi…

Auditorio de Tenerife (Adán Martín) — landmark performing arts venue in Santa Cruz Auditorio de Tenerife A modern performing arts complex in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, designed by Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2003; noted for its sweeping concrete form, multiple halls, and cultural…

Auditorium: design, function, history and types Auditorium An auditorium is the space in a theatre, cinema, concert hall or similar building where people sit to listen and watch. This article explains parts, design, history, uses, and dist…

Aviary: Enclosures for Keeping and Observing Birds Aviary An aviary is a spacious enclosure designed for birds that permits flight and natural behaviors. This article covers types, design features, history, uses in conservation and breedi…

Ávila Cathedral — Romanesque and Gothic cathedral in Ávila, Spain Ávila Cathedral Prominent Romanesque–Gothic cathedral in Ávila, Spain, known for its integration with the medieval walls, layered construction from medieval centuries, nearby cemetery, and cultura…

Bailey bridge A portable, prefabricated truss bridge developed by the British in World War II for rapid military and civil bridging; modular, strong enough for armoured vehicles and still used f…

Balcony: design, construction, uses, safety and cultural context Balcony A balcony is a platform projecting from a building at height. This article covers types, structural requirements, glazing and enclosures, safety and maintenance, and cultural examp…

Bank of America Corporate Center A 60‑story skyscraper in Uptown Charlotte serving as Bank of America's headquarters, noted for its postmodern design by César Pelli and its prominence on the East Coast skyline.

Bank of America Plaza (Atlanta) A 312 m (1,024 ft) office skyscraper completed in 1992 in Atlanta's Midtown, notable for its tall spire, pyramidal crown and status as the tallest building in Georgia and a landmar…

Bank of America Tower (One Bryant Park) Bank of America Tower Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park is a prominent Midtown Manhattan office skyscraper noted for contemporary design and advanced green engineering, completed in the late 2000…

Bank of China Tower (Hong Kong) Iconic triangular skyscraper in Central, Hong Kong, designed by I. M. Pei. Noted for its angular glass façade, it serves as Bank of China offices and ranks among the city's most re…

Barbican Arts Centre — London performing arts and cultural complex Barbican Arts Centre Major multi-arts complex in the Barbican estate, City of London, hosting concert hall, theatres, cinemas, gallery spaces and education programmes since the late 20th century.

Barclays Center — multipurpose arena in Brooklyn, New York Barclays Center Indoor arena in Brooklyn opened in 2012; home to the Brooklyn Nets and a major venue for sports, concerts and cultural events in New York City.

Barn (agricultural building) Barn A barn is a farm building used to shelter livestock, store feed and equipment, and support agricultural work. Barns vary widely by design, materials, and regional traditions.

Barrel vault (tunnel or wagon vault) Barrel vault A barrel vault is a continuous semicylindrical ceiling formed by extending an arch. It appears in ancient Roman and medieval architecture and persists in modern construction with c…

Base isolation: seismic separation systems for buildings and bridges Base isolation Base isolation reduces seismic forces by separating a structure from ground motion using bearings or sliding bearings, improving safety and protecting function during earthquakes.

Basement: definition, types, uses and construction considerations Basement An underground level of a building used for storage, mechanical systems, living space or shelter. Covers types, common features, history, uses and maintenance concerns.

Basilica: architectural form and ecclesiastical title Basilica A basilica is an architectural type and, in Christianity, an honorific title for important churches. It originated in Roman public buildings and was adapted by early Christians for…

Bauen — municipality in the canton of Uri, Switzerland Bauen Bauen is a small lakeside municipality in the canton of Uri on Lake Lucerne, noted for its steep shoreline, traditional village character, seasonal tourism and access to mountain t…

Beach house: coastal homes, design, uses and considerations Beach house A beach house is a dwelling located on or near a shoreline, typically used for vacation or seasonal living. Covers design features, history, uses, environmental and regulatory cons…

Bed: design, components, history, sizes and uses Bed A bed is a piece of furniture designed for reclining and sleeping. This article explains common parts, typical sizes and types, a brief history, practical uses, and guidance on cho…

Bedroom — function, layout, furniture, and types Bedroom A bedroom is a private room primarily for sleeping and resting. This article explains typical components, layout and design considerations, historical development, common types and…

Bell tower (belfry, campanile): structure, history, and uses Bell tower A bell tower—also called a belfry or campanile—is a tower built to house bells for timekeeping, worship, signaling, and music. This article explains design, ringing methods, histor…

Bench: public seating and its forms, materials, and uses Bench A bench is a long seat designed for two or more people. This article explains types, typical materials, history, common uses and distinctions from other seating like chairs or work…

Berliner Sportpalast (Berlin Sportpalast) Berlin Sportpalast Early 20th‑century multi‑purpose arena in Schöneberg, Berlin (built 1910, demolished 1973); venue for sports, entertainment and political rallies, notably Goebbels' 1943 'Total War…

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Modern cultural complex in Alexandria commemorating the ancient Library of Alexandria; a public research library, museums, restoration center and conference venue on the Mediterran…

Birdbox (nest box): design, use, and ecological considerations Birdbox Human-made cavity boxes that provide nesting sites for wild and captive birds. Covers design, placement, materials, species adaptations, maintenance, and effects on other wildlife.

Birmingham Town Hall: history, architecture and uses Birmingham Town Hall Neoclassical concert hall in Victoria Square, Birmingham. Built for the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival, Grade I listed and restored in the early 21st century; now hosts concer…

Blackpool Tower A late‑Victorian iron and cast‑iron landmark in Blackpool, England. Built 1891–1894 in the style of the Eiffel Tower, it houses a ballroom, circus and viewing galleries and is a ma…

Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower (Chicago) Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower Office tower on the north edge of Grant Park in downtown Chicago; the headquarters of Health Care Service Corporation and a prominent element of the lakefront skyline.

Blueprint: technical drawing, history, uses and distinguishing features Blueprint A blueprint is a detailed technical drawing used to convey design intent for buildings, machines and systems; historically produced by cyanotype, now usually produced digitally or…

Boeing International Headquarters, Chicago Boeing International Headquarters Corporate headquarters of Boeing in Chicago: a 36-floor Near West Side skyscraper, its history as the Morton International Building, and the role of the office in Boeing’s corporat…

Bookcase (Bookshelf): Design, History, Types and Uses Bookcase An overview of the bookcase (bookshelf): its design, materials, historical development, common types, uses in homes, offices and libraries, and guidance on maintenance and safe ins…

Breakwater: Coastal Structures for Wave Protection and Shoreline Stability Breakwater Breakwaters are engineered coastal structures that reduce wave energy, protect harbors and shorelines, and help manage erosion and sedimentation while posing ecological and design…

Brick: Materials, Manufacture, Types, Uses and History Brick A brick is a manufactured unit of clay, concrete or similar material used in masonry and paving; formed, dried or fired and laid with mortar into walls, pavements and other structu…

Bridge: Design, Types, History, and Importance Bridge Overview of bridges: what they are, major types and components, historical development, common uses, and maintenance considerations for civil and military crossings.

Brookfield Place (World Financial Center) — Lower Manhattan complex Brookfield Place Brookfield Place is a mixed‑use office and retail complex in Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan, designed by César Pelli and renamed in 2013. It includes the Winter Garden atrium a…

Building (structure, types, and functions) Building A building is an enclosed constructed structure designed for habitation, commerce, industry, worship or public use. This article explains key parts, common types, history, uses and…

Building code: purpose, structure, history and typical requirements Building code Overview of building codes: why they exist, what they regulate, how model codes are adopted and enforced, typical technical provisions, and how codes vary by occupancy and hazard.

Building material: types, properties, history and uses Building material Comprehensive overview of building materials: natural and manufactured types, key properties, historical development, common applications and sustainability considerations.

Building model A building model is a physical or virtual representation used to explore, present, analyze, and coordinate the design and performance of a building, including scale, structural and…

Bungalow: origins, characteristics, regional types and modern adaptations Bungalow An overview of the bungalow: etymology, typical features, historical development, regional variants (including California and Craftsman), and contemporary uses in housing and prese…

Bunk bed — design, types, safety and common uses Bunk bed A bunk bed stacks two or more sleeping platforms to save space. This article explains construction, variants (loft, trundle), typical uses, safety concerns, and practical guidance…

Burj Al Arab — luxury hotel and landmark in Dubai Burj Al Arab Sail‑shaped luxury hotel on a man‑made island in Dubai, renowned for opulent suites, distinctive architecture, a rooftop helipad used for publicity events, and a marketing reputati…

Burj Khalifa: overview, design, history and significance Burj Khalifa Comprehensive summary of Burj Khalifa — its height, design, construction, history, uses and notable facts about the world's tallest completed building.

Buttress: structural support for walls, roofs and retaining systems Buttress Buttresses are architectural supports built against walls to resist lateral forces. Types include solid, flying and counterfort buttresses; used historically in cathedrals and toda…