The categorization of different types of buildings based on their use and occupancy, such as residential, commercial, industrial, educational or healthcare.
Building codes: These are the laws and regulations that dictate the minimum safety and health standards for construction and occupancy of buildings.
Zoning: This refers to the laws and regulations that govern the use of land for specific purposes, such as residential, commercial, or industrial use.
Fire safety: This encompasses the measures taken to prevent fires, detect them early, and suppress them, including the use of fire-resistant materials and sprinklers.
Accessibility: This covers the design and construction of buildings to ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities, including the use of ramps, elevators, and wider doorways.
Energy efficiency: This involves the incorporation of design features and technology that reduce the energy usage of a building, such as insulation and solar panels.
Structural engineering: This relates to the design and construction of a building's structural frame, including the use of materials, such as concrete and steel, to ensure that it can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes.
Plumbing and mechanical systems: This refers to the design and installation of water supply, waste disposal, and heating and cooling systems in a building.
Electrical systems: This covers the design and installation of electrical systems, including wiring and lighting, to ensure that they are safe and efficient.
Green building: This entails the incorporation of sustainable practices and materials into the design and construction of a building, such as using recycled materials and installing energy-efficient appliances.
Building inspection: This involves the examination of buildings to ensure that they meet relevant building codes and standards, and are safe for occupancy.
Maintenance and repair: This covers the ongoing cleaning, maintenance, and repair of a building to ensure that it remains safe and functional over time.
Historic preservation: This focuses on the preservation of historic buildings and sites, while also ensuring their safety and usability for modern purposes.
Disaster preparedness and response: This entails the preparation and planning for natural disasters or emergencies, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and fires, and the implementation of emergency response procedures.
International Building Code (IBC): This code has provisions that apply to almost every type of building, including new construction, additions, alterations, and renovations.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): This standard includes fire codes and standards that outline fire protection and prevention measures.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA): This standard ensures that people with disabilities have access to buildings and their surrounding areas.
American Institute of Architects (AIA): The AIA's Building Types series provides a comprehensive guide to various building types, from commercial and institutional to residential.
Green Building Rating Systems: These include LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge, which are all metrics for sustainable design and construction.
Energy Codes: These codes include ASHRAE 90.1, which is the most widely used set of standards for commercial buildings, and IECC, which applies to residential buildings.
Building Occupancy Groups: These groups identify the type of occupancy in a building, such as assembly, business, educational, or industrial.
Seismic Codes: These codes establish design requirements based on geographic location and seismic activity.
Building Materials Standards: These standards establish criteria for the quality and performance of building materials, such as ASTM International's standards for structural steel.
Zoning Codes: These codes determine land use and the types of buildings allowed in specific areas.