What is Building?

Building creates a structure, typically with wood, bricks, or concrete. It can also refer to the finished product, such as a house or office. 

The Importance of Building

Building is essential because it allows us to create the shelters and other structures we need to live and work. Buildings shield us from the elements and offer comfort and spaces for gathering and social interaction.

The Types of Buildings

There are many different types of buildings, including. 

1. Residential Buildings:

Architects and builders design and construct buildings for human habitation. They can be single-family homes, apartments, condos, or any other type of dwelling that people call home.

2. Commercial Buildings:

Buildings used for businesses, like office buildings, retail stores, or warehouses, generally serve commercial purposes. The construction of commercial buildings can vary greatly, depending on the type of business, the size of the building, and the materials used. In some cases, commercial buildings might use prefabricated materials for construction, while in others, they might rely on brick or stone for the entire building structure.

3. Institutional Buildings:

Institutional Buildings are the types of buildings where institutions are located. They can be schools, hospitals, or any other kind of institution. The common denominator is that they are all places where institutions are located.

The Components of a Building

• The Foundation is the lowest part of a building; it is a structural element that transfers and distributes the load evenly and safely to the soil. The foundation comprises walls, columns, beams, and a slab.
• Walls are vertical elements of the building that run from the floor to ceiling, thus providing an enclosure and protecting against wind, sunshine, rain, etc. Builders use stones, bricks, concrete blocks, glass, metal, or plastic for constructing walls.
• People fix doors on wall openings to create security and establish entry and exit points for any house.
• People fix windows on wall openings to allow fresh air and light into the house. Manufacturers typically create windows as standard units using glass and aluminium.
• The Roof is the topmost part of a building structure, which protects against environmental factors like sun, wind, and rain. They come in different shapes,  sizes, and colours, and they can either be flat or sloped based on the location and weather conditions of the area. Wood, aluminium, steel, tiles, and concrete make roofs.
• The Ceiling is the bottom face of any slab or roof where we can hang decorative items. It is an integral part of any room because you can decorate it to enhance its aesthetic appearance. Materials used to make ceilings are POP (Plaster of Paris), Cement Boards, Polystyrene Boards, PVC tiles, timber, asbestos, etc.
• The Floor is the horizontal surface on the slab, where humans and animals can walk and rest. For flooring, you can use various materials like Timber, Ceramic or Porcelain tiles, granite tiles, marble tiles, concrete, stone, etc.
• Mechanical end Electrical Works (M&E) include Water supply, Drainage, Electrical works, etc.

The Process of Building

Building a structure typically involves four main steps: planning, design, construction, and maintenance. 

• The planning stage is when the builders decide what type of building they want to create and where it will be located. 
• The design stage is when the builders create the plans for the building. 
• In the construction stage, the builders build the structure by assembling the necessary materials. Construction can involve manual labour or the use of machines.
• During maintenance, builders repair and replace damaged or worn-out building parts.

The Benefits of Building

Building provides many benefits to both individuals and society. 

• Individuals who build homes or structures can take pride in their work and enjoy knowing they have created something others will use and appreciate.
•  Buildings also employ many people, such as architects, engineers, construction workers, and maintenance workers. 
• In addition, building contributes to the economy by providing goods and services that people need.

Famous buildings in the world 

1. The Chrysler Building:

The Chrysler Building is another one of New York City’s iconic landmarks. It was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1930. Today, it is the tallest brick building in the world and the ninth tallest in the United States. Visitors can go to the top of the building to get stunning views of the city.

2. The Statue of Liberty:

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, and it was completed in 1886. The statue is 151 feet tall and stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Visitors can take a ferry to the island to see the statue up close.

3. The Eiffel Tower

is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Located in Paris, France, it was built in 1889 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Standing 324 meters tall, it is the tallest structure in Paris and offers stunning cityscape views.

4. The Colosseum

is another world-famous landmark in Rome, Italy. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built and was used for gladiator fights and public executions in ancient times. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with over six million visitors yearly.

5. Big Ben

is the name of the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London, England. It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and is a symbol of the United Kingdom. The clock tower was built in 1859 and is 96 meters tall.

6. The Parthenon

is a temple located on the Acropolis of Athens in Greece. It was built in the 5th century BC and is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Parthenon symbolises Ancient Greece and is one of Athens’s most popular tourist attractions.

7. La Sagrada Familia

It is a church in Barcelona, Spain. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architect Antoni Gaudi designed the church, and is still unfinished. Construction began in 1882 and is expected to be completed in 2026.

8. The Kremlin

is a fortress in Moscow, Russia. It is the official residence of the President of Russia and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The Kremlin was built in the 15th century and symbolised Russian power and history.

9. The Brandenburg Gate

It is a monument in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and is a symbol of German unity. The gate was built in the 18th century and is 26 meters tall.

10. Notre Dame Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Paris, France. It is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and symbolises the Catholic Church. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and is one of Paris’s most popular tourist attractions.

Famous Buildings in Nigeria

Nigeria has a rich history and many historical buildings to visit. These famous buildings are a great way to learn about the country’s past and see some of the fantastic architecture found in Nigeria.

1. The Aso Rock Villa: 

It is located close to Aso Rock, an enormous monolith in the Asokoro district of Abuja, and is the official residence of the President of Nigeria. 

The Villa includes the President’s residence, offices, a conference centre, a mosque, a church, a golf course, and a swimming pool. It is also home to some government buildings, including the Nigerian National Assembly buildings, the Presidential Palace, the Presidential Lodge, the State House, and the Vice President’s House.

2. The Transcorp Hilton Abuja

is a five-star hotel in the heart of Nigeria’s capital city. The hotel is close to many of the city’s major attractions, including the Abuja National Mosque, the National Museum, and the Central Business District. 

3. The Supreme Court of Nigeria:

The Supreme Court of Nigeria is the highest in the country and is located in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. 

4. The National Mosque of Nigeria:

The National Mosque is the main mosque in Nigeria and the largest in sub-Saharan Africa. It is located in Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The mosque was completed in 1986 and can accommodate up to 50,000 people. 

5. The National Christian Centre:

The National Christian Centre is a multi-purpose centre in the Central Business District in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The centre was established in 1988 and is open to the public.

6. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport:

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is the main airport serving the city of Abuja, Nigeria. The airport is named after Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria.

7. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium

is a multipurpose national sports stadium in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, with 60,491 seats.