gebouw

Gebouw is a Dutch noun meaning building or structure. It refers to a constructed, enclosed space intended for occupancy, use, or passage. In everyday language it covers a wide range of constructions, from houses and apartments to offices, factories, schools, and other facilities. The term is more general than huis, which often denotes a dwelling, and is commonly used in architecture, urban planning, and regulation to designate physical assets.

Etymology and usage in language and practice. The word is rooted in the Dutch verb bouwen (to build) with a prefix ge- forming a noun that marks the result of the action. In historical and modern Dutch, gebouw appears in compounds to specify the type or function of the structure, such as stationgebouw (station building) or kantoorgebouw (office building). In regulatory and professional contexts, gebouw denotes the built object as a distinct entity within planning, construction, and property management.

Construction, design, and regulation. A gebouw comprises elements such as a foundation, load-bearing structure, exterior envelope, and interior spaces. Designs address function, safety, accessibility, and energy performance. In the Netherlands, building requirements are governed by regulations and codes embedded in frameworks like the Bouwbesluit, which set standards for safety, usability, and environmental performance. The term also appears in heritage and planning contexts to describe historic or representative structures and to define properties within urban development.

Classification and examples. Buildings are often categorized by function, including residential gebouwen (homes and apartments), kantoor gebouwen (office buildings), onderwijs gebouwen (schools), gezondheids gebouwen (healthcare facilities), and industriële gebouwen (industrial facilities). Compound terms also reflect specific purposes, such as winkelgebouw (retail building) or cultureel gebouw (cultural building).