Bâtiments

Bâtiments is the French term for buildings. In architectural and construction contexts, a building is a permanent structure with a roof and exterior walls designed to shelter activities and occupants.

Buildings are categorized by function: residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, agricultural, and ceremonial or cultural. They may be single structures or part of complexes. Design balances form and function, addressing safety, accessibility, durability, energy efficiency, and comfort. Key aspects include the structural system (frame or load-bearing walls), the envelope (walls, roof, windows), and building services such as heating, cooling, ventilation, water, and waste systems.

Historically, construction materials and methods evolved from stone and timber to brick, iron, steel, concrete, and glass. The development of building codes and standardization improved safety and performance. Modern practice emphasizes sustainability, passive design, and lifecycle assessment, aiming to reduce energy use and embodied carbon.

Urban planning and zoning shape how buildings appear in cities, including height limits, setbacks, and the relationship to streets and public spaces. Maintenance, renovations, and adaptive reuse extend a building’s life, while demolition and redevelopment clear sites for new construction.

As broad as the term is, buildings reflect cultural, economic, and technological contexts and play a central role in daily life, work, and civic life.