multistorey

Multistorey refers to a building that has more than one floor above ground. In British English, it is commonly spelled multistorey or multistoreyed, while American English uses multistory. Multistorey structures are built for a variety of uses, including residential flats, offices, retail, and mixed use, and are common in urban centers where land is at a premium.

Construction typically relies on a structural frame of reinforced concrete or steel, with one or more vertical cores housing elevators and stairs. Floors are accessed by stairwells and lifts, and buildings incorporate fire protection, acoustic design, and accessibility features. The choice of materials and the arrangement of the core influence stability, safety, and efficiency.

Historically, multistorey buildings developed with advances in structural engineering and safe passenger elevators in the 19th century, enabling taller forms. Steel-frame construction and reinforced concrete allowed higher rise and more complex plans, giving rise to modern office towers and apartment blocks. The term is often distinguished from high-rise and skyscraper by height thresholds that vary by country.

Regional usage includes the common term multi-storey car park (MSCP) for multi-level parking structures. In planning and zoning, multistorey buildings support higher population density, reduce land use, and improve access to public transit, but require careful design to manage costs, safety, wind and seismic loads, and maintenance needs.

Environmental and retrofitting considerations emphasize energy efficiency, insulation, and sustainable materials in both new and existing multistorey buildings, along with upgrades to circulation and mechanical systems to reduce operating costs and emissions.