Julkisivusta

Julkisivusta is the elative form of the Finnish noun julkisivu, meaning the facade of a building. In Finnish grammar, the elative case expresses origin, source, or topic, so julkisivusta is used to indicate things related to the facade “from the facade” or “about the facade,” depending on the context. The base word julkisivu refers to the exterior front or outward face of a structure.

In architectural and urban planning discourse, julkisivusta is commonly employed to discuss aspects of a building’s exterior. Topics may include materials, ornamentation, restoration work, alterations, or regulatory requirements that affect the facade. The term is suited to descriptions, analyses, and planning discussions that focus on the exterior surface visible to the public.

Etymology and variants: julkisivu is formed from julkinen (public) and sivu (side/face), capturing the idea of the public-facing front of a building. The word fasadi is a loanword adaptation borrowed from the French façade and is frequently used in everyday Finnish and in less formal architectural writing, though julkisivu remains the standard term in official contexts.

See also: julkisivu, fasadi. This article provides a concise overview of the term’s linguistic form and typical use in architectural language, emphasizing its role in describing or discussing exterior building elements.