1 of 2

2 of 2

building, a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use.Rudimentary buildings were initiallyconstructed out of the purely functional need for a controlledenvironment to moderate the effects of climate. These first buildings were simple dwellings. Later, buildings were constructed for other functions, such asfood storage and to serve as sites of ceremony. Early building materials were perishable and often included leaves, branches, and animal hides; these structures did not provide much permanency. Subsequently, more durable natural materials—such asclay,stone, andtimber—and, finally,synthetic materials—such as brick,concrete,metals, andplastics—were used, permitting buildings to persist for many decades and even centuries.

1 of 2

2 of 2

With increasingtechnology and an understanding of how materials behave, buildings have come to be constructed with ever greater height and span and for innumerable agricultural, civic, commercial, industrial, recreational, religious, and residential uses. In addition to providing simple protection from the elements, most modern buildings have a degree of control exercised over the interior environment, including increasingly precise regulation of air temperature, light and sound levels, humidity, odours, air speed, and other factors that affect human comfort. Some modern buildings are also constructed withgreen architecture to minimize their impact on the environment. Such buildings mayutilizesolar,wind, orgeothermal energy and often incorporate other environmentally friendly technologies. For information on the history of building construction and modern practices,seeconstruction.