B
Balloon mortgage
In the United States, a mortgage arranged with two separate phases of payment, A schedule for amortization covers a specified part of the total loan. The remainder of the loan is paid off in a single lump sum payment at the termination of the contract. See also AMORTIZATION and MORTGAGE.
Barrier-free environment
In the United States, a living environment in which all of the facilities and services, including buildings, gates, doorways, parking lots, transportation, etc., are constructed to permit access and mobility of handicapped individuals, especially those in wheelchairs.
Base bid
In the United States, the amount of money stated in the bid as the sum for which the bidder offers to perform the work, not including that work for which alternate bids are submitted. See also ALTERNATE BID, BID, and CONSTRUCTION COST.
Base rent
In the United States, the minimum fixed rent for a commercial property.
Baseline data
Specific information items gathered in a given time period and/or under normal conditions to provide a standard of comparison for future survey or experimental data.
Beautification
Measures such as tree planting or general cleaning of exterior surfaces of buildings, taken to enhance the general attractiveness of the urban environment.
Bedroom suburb
In the United States, outlying residential area from which residents commute to work centers of the city. Also called a dormitory suburb.
Beltway
In the United States, a multilane, limited-access highway built encircling a major urban area, facilitating rapid travel from one suburban area to another and permitting long distance traffic to bypass the city entirely. See also EXPRESSWAY.
Berm
In the United States, a linear embankment constructed to direct the flow of surface drainage, to provide a visual barrier, and/or to help reduce the traffic noise in adjacent residential areas. The berm is usually covered with grass to resist erosion and is often planted with large shrubs.
Bid
In the United States, a formal offer by a contractor or commercial organization to complete work or to provide services at the price specified in a bid schedule by a prescribed time. In the construction industry, the offer submitted by the bidder in the required manner may include provision of all labor, equipment and material, and performance of the specified work. See also ACCEPTED BID, ALTERNATE BID, BASE BID, BID ABSTRACT, CONSTRUCTION BUDGET, and CONTRACT AWARD.
Bid abstract
In the United States, a summary of unit prices compiled by the owner or his representative for a given job. An abstract may list bidders and their bid prices on a given project, usually broken down by items in the project. Such a summary facilitates selection of the contractor to be awarded the job on the basis of the low bid. See also BID and CONTRACT AWARD.
Bid bond
In the United States, a form of bid security with the bidder as principal and with a surety, i.e., a guarantor, to ensure that the bidder will enter into a contract by a given date. See also BOND.
Bid price
1. In the United States, the amount that a buyer offers to pay for a product or property.
2. In the United States, the amount that a contractor or commercial organization proposes for completion of work.
Bidding documents
In the United States, the written descriptions of bidding requirements, for example, the invitation to bid and the instructions to bidders; sample bidding and contract forms that define the requirements for submitting bids; and addenda such as formal responses to questions from potential bidders. See also ADDENDUM, DEPOSIT FOR BIDDING DOCUMENTS, and REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.
Bidding requirements
See BIDDING DOCUMENTS.
Bikeway
A path specially constructed for bicycle traffic. Bikeways may be separate lanes along the sides of streets, or in the United States, may be located in open spaces or parks, primarily for recreational purposes.
Bill of quantities
See QUANTITY SURVEY.
Bill of sale
In the United States, a legal document registering the transfer of ownership of property or goods from one party to anther under given terms at a specified prices.
Blanket mortgage
A lien on more than one parcel or unit of land, frequently incurred by subdividers or developers who have purchased a single tract of land for the purpose of dividing it into smaller parcels for sale or development. Also called a blanket trust deed.
Blanket trust deed
See BLANKET MORTGAGE.
Blight
In the United States, term used to characterize the deteriorating condition of specific buildings or neighborhoods within a given city. See also SLUM and URBAN REDEVELOPENT.
Block grant
In the United States, federal funds provided to local governments to help finance local services such as roads, education, and general urban development. Block grants are a type of revenue sharing in which funds are distributed on a formula basis rather than competitively. See also as COMPETITIVE FUNDING, ENTITLEMENT CITY, FORMULA FUNDING, and GRANT.
Block of flats
See APARTMENT HOUSE.
Board of zoning appeals
In the United States, a quasi-independent local body appointed by the mayor or serving as a committee of the city council. The board is charged with hearing appeals of decisions by zoning enforcement officials, granting zoning variances, and making decisions on applications for special exceptions to zoning or for special use permits. See also CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, SPECIAL USE PERMIT, and ZONING VARIANCE.
Boardinghouse
In the United States, a private residence whose owners supply moderately priced meals, and often rooms, to individuals.
Bond
1. In the United States, an agreement guaranteeing that a contracting party will perform certain work or fulfill certain obligations by a specified date and that in the event of nonperformance or default the other contracting party will be indemnified. See also BID BOUND, MAINTENANCE BOND, and PERFORMANCE BOND.
2. In the United States, a certificate issued by a government or corporation guaranteeing the purchaser a fixed rate of interest. Unlike the shot-term loan, the bond does not require repayment of principal until the bond is retired. Government bonds backed by the fees charged to users of a structure or service financed by the sale of the bonds are referred to as revenue bonds. The purpose for which a bond is issued is frequently indicated in the name, e.g., a water and sewer bond. See also INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BOND and MORTGAGE REVENUE BOND.
Bonus and penalty clause
In the United States, a provision in a contract stipulating that the contractor will be paid a bonus amount for completing work prior to the specified final date or will be charged a penalty for failure to complete work by that date.
Bonus incentives for development
In the United States, special advantages granted to a developer by the community in exchange for a benefit that the community may not be able to require, for example, permission to erect a larger-than-usual building in exchange for reasonably priced retail rental space on the lower floors. See also INCENTIVE ZONING.
“Borrowed view”
In the classic garden design of China, the view presented to the visitor was enlivened by incorporating scenes from the outside world of nature into the natural world of the garden itself. This concept can be applied similarly in urban design to enhance the visual impression within the city by drawing distant views into the urban setting. See also LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, “SCENIC FOCAL POINT,” and“YIJING.”
“Bottom line”
In everyday American speech, the most important factor or result in a process, project, or commercial undertaking. The term actually refers to the net income line on an income statement and the thus to the net profit of a company, unit, or product. While the term has its origins in accounting, “bottom line” may just as easily refer to a nonmonetary result, e.g., an important personnel change.
Boundary survey
See LAND SERVEY.
“Brainstorming”
An informal, often intensive, group discussion to solve a difficult problem or to develop new approaches to an issue. Those involved usually meet under a tight deadline. Ideas evolving from the discussion are closely examined, with those surviving being expanded until consensus is reached on a particular solution or set of options. See also CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT.
Break-even point
The point at which sales or production of a product are sufficient to cover related costs without either monetary gains or losses, In the American real estate sector, the break-even point is the figure at which income derived from rentals of commercial or residential property equals all the required expenses for the property and debt service.
Buffer zone
A section of land that is intended to separate areas with incompatible uses, e.g., industrially zoned land from residentially zoned land, or in China, warehouse and transportation facilities from cultural districts. The purpose of such zones is to limit the effects of noise, visual ugliness, smoke, explosions, fires, odors, or poisonous gases. Buffer zones are usually unimproved except for landscaping, and in China, no construction of any kind is allowed in the zone.
Buildable area
In the United Stated, the area remaining for construction after minimum yard and open space requirements have been met.
Building alteration
Construction work to revise prescribed elements of an existing structure, as distinct from additions to an existing structure. See also ADDITION and HOME IMPROVEMENT.
Building area
In the United States, the surface area taken up by all principal and assessory buildings on a lot, measured from the outside of the exterior walls on the ground floor, and not including uncovered entrance platforms, terraces, and steps.
Building codes and standards
1. In the United Stated, a body of ordinances and regulations adopted by a state or local government, controlling the design, construction, materials, alteration, and occupancy of any building or structure within its jurisdiction. The building code is enforceable by police powers for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. The code often includes technical standards for all critical building installations, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and heating systems. Thus, codes can be viewed as a collection of standards necessary to ensure a basic minimum level for design and construction within a specific area.
In practice, the system of codes is complex. Within the United States, there are about 12,000 building code jurisdictions, the large majority of which adopt or adapt one of three model codes developed by three different nongovernmental bodies: the Basic Build Code (BBC); the Southern Standard Building Code (the Southern); or the Uniform Build Code (UBC). States and local governments can take one of four approaches: 1) they can adopt a model code in its entirety and give it the force of law in their jurisdiction; 2) they can adapt a model code to their particular area; 3) they can develop their own code, as New York City and Chicago have done; or 4) they can have no build code. ［If a local government have no build code, it often adopts technical standards for one or more elements, e.g., the National Electrical Code (NEC) for electrical systems.］
Although about half the states have adopted statewide building codes, they have generally left interpretation and enforcement to local governments. The construction standards for manufactured housing (mobile house), developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Department (HUD), constituted the only national building code. HUD also publishes the Minimum Property Standard (MPS), but its use is generally restricted to construction of federally assisted housing, about five percent of the total housing stock. However, the MPS is currently being phased out in favor of a new model residential building code for one-and two-family dwellings developed by the Council of American Building Officials (CABO), another nongovernmental organization. See also BULK REGULATIONS, CODE ENFORCEMENT, CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE, MODEL CODE, PERFORMANCE CODE, SPERCIFICATION CODE, SPECIFICATIONS, and SUNLIGHT ORDINANCE.
2. In China, building and construction laws are enacted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, while ordinances are approved by the State Council. Both forms are applicable nationwide. Since the early 1970’s, efforts have been underway to codify laws relating to construction and housing, with some success in the areas of engineering, products, and building safety. The first administrative ordinance on urban planning was issued by the State Council in Spring of 1984. Codification efforts in the areas of architectural design and housing equipment have yet to be completed.
Codes (regulations), which are usually also promulgated at a national level, are technical documents providing mandatory direction for design and construction work. Most codes in China are performance codes. The codes are supplemented by a series of specifications which give detailed performance criteria for certain types of engineering. These specifications are generally approved by ministries or local governments. Standards, as determined by the State Bureau of Standardization, may be divided into four levels: 1) national standards that are of great significance to the national economy and technical development and therefore must be uniform throughout the country; 2) specialized or ministerial standards that are unified within a specialty or ministry; 3) local standards that are neither national nor ministerial (specialized) standards and that are approved by local authorities; and 4) company standards that mainly apply to products and that are approved by the upper-level administrative departments of companies.
Building complex
In the United States, a group of buildings, usually constructed as part of the same project and closely related in design and/or function.
Building density
As used in the United States, the ratio between the built-on area and the total area of the land on which a building is situated.
Building efficiency
In the United States, the percentage ratio of the net leasable area of a building to the total area of that building. See also LEASABLE AREA.
Building height
The size of a building in the vertical dimension, as measured in stories or linear feet/meters. Building height is often regulated in urban areas. According to U.S. standards, a low-rise building usually has one or two stories; a mid-rise building, three to seven stories; a high-rise building, more than seven stories. According to Chinese specifications for housing, a low-rise building has one to three stories; a multistory building, four to six stories; a medium high-rise building, seven to nine stories; and a high-rise building, ten to thirty stories. See also HIGHT ZONING.
Building inspector
In the United States, a city official charged with enforcing building codes and zoning regulations through examination of building plans and construction of structures and through the authority to issue building permits required for building construction and use permits necessary for occupancy of a finished building. See also CODE ENFORCEMENT, SITE INSPECTION, and ZONING ADMINISTRATION.
Building law
See BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS.
Building line
A line beyond which construction of the facade of a building is prohibited according to local building regulations.
Building material testing
Assessment of specific types of materials used in construction according to performance criteria, standards, and procedures established by a government agency such as the U.S. Bureau of Standards, or by consensus standards committees, industry associations, professional groups, or private testing organizations. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publishes many of these tests. See also ACCREDITATION, CERTIFICATION OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, PERFORMANCE CODE, and QUALITY CONTROL.
Building ordinance
See BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS.
Building orientation
Situation of land or a building with reference to a given direction, which determines the effects of weather, sunlight, and environment.
Building permit
An official document issued by the appropriate government agency authorizing construction of a project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. In China, a building permit is issued only after land acquisition, the layout plan, and the schematic or preliminary design have been approved by the urban planning administration bureau. See also ZONING ADMINISTRATOR.
Building physics
The body of knowledge about physical principles that affect the structure and design of buildings, for example, acoustics.
Building regulations
See BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS.
Building society
See SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
Building standards
See BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS.
Building trade
Any one of the skill groups and subgroups used in the construction industry.
Built environment
1. An area in which buildings have been constructed.
2. The character of a heavily built urban area, as contrasted to the natural environment.
Built-up area
A region that has been extensively developed and is already occupied by structures, outbuildings, and service areas. In modern usage, the term is often synonymous with “urban” in its physical sense. See also AGGLOMERATION.
Bulk regulations
In the United States, rules governing the permissible height, depth, density, and width of a building. See also BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS and FLOOR-AREA RATIO.
Bungalow
In the United States, a small, solidly constructed, one- or one-and-one-half-story house with a veranda. The term is often used to describe any small house.
Buydown
In the United States, a practice for home financing under which the builder or developer of real property absorbs a portion of development costs to provide incentives to buyers. The developer may pay a lending institution a percentage of the interest rate for a property mortgage or make available mortgage money to buyers at reduced rates. Also called a builder discount.
Bypass
In the United States, a road which skirts a built-up area, expediting the movement of traffic and reducing traffic congestion in a town. Generally, the bypass takes the form of a loop joined to a major road. See also EXPRESSWAY.
特大尾数抵押贷款 Tèdàwěishù dǐyādàikuǎn
在美国，一种分两阶段偿付的贷款方式。一部分按计划分期偿付，剩余部分在合同到期时一次付清。［参见“分期偿还”、“抵押贷款”］
无障碍环境 Wúzhàng’ài huánjìng
在美国，指一切设施和设备（包括建筑物、大门、门口、停车场、运输工具等）的构造均便于残疾人（特别是坐轮椅的人）出入和活动的生活环境。
基本标价 Jīběn biāojià
在美国，投标人在投标书中所列出的完成工程的总金额，不包括备用标价的工程项目。［参见“备用标价”、“投标”、“建筑成本”］
基本租金 Jīběn zūjīn
在美国，指商业房地产最低的固定租金。
基准数据 Jīzhǔn shùjù
在指定时期内与/或在正常情况下收集到的数据，用来作为日后调查或实验数据的对比标准。
美化 Měihuà
改进城市环境或市容的一种措施，如植树、对建筑物表面的清理等。
卧城郊区 Wòchéng jiāoqū
在美国，指市区外围的居住区。居民每日往返于居住区与市内工作地点之间。又称“卧城区”。
环城公路 Huánchéng gōnglù
在美国，指在重要城市地区周围，限制支路通入的多车道公路，以便从一个郊区迅速到达另一个郊区，并完全避免长途交通穿过市区。［参见“高速公路”］
路肩 Lùjiān
在美国，指公路两旁的护堤。这种护堤便于路面排水，既可作为视觉屏障，又有助于降低对附近居住区的交通噪声。路肩上常植以草被或大型灌木以防止水土流失。
投标 Tóubiāo
在美国，由承包商或商业组织提出的愿在预定时期内按一定价格完成工程或提供服务的正式报价。在建筑业中，由投标人按指定方式所提出的报价，包括为指定工程提供全部人工、设备、材料，并为工程施工。［参见“中选标”、“备用标价”、“基本标价”、“标价总表”、“工程预算”、“发包”］
标价总表 Biāojià zǒngbiǎo
在美国，指由业主或其代理人为某一工程准备的单价汇总表，常按工程项目分别列出各投标人及其投标价格，以便根据低价的原则选择承包人。［参见“投标”、“发包”］
投标保单 Tóubiāo bǎodān
在美国，由投标人及保证人所具有的保证书，保证投标人在规定日期内履行合同。［参见“保证书”］
1.出价 Chūjià
在美国，指买方对于购置某一产品或产业所愿付的金额。
2.投标价格 Tóubiāo jiàgé
在美国，指承包人或商业组织为完成工程所需而提出的金额。
招标文件 Zhāobiāo wénjiàn
在美国，指说明投标条件的文件，包括投标邀请书、投标须知；说明投标要求的标单格式及合同格式的样本；补充文件，如对于参加投标者所提问题的正式答复等。［参见“补充文件”、“投标文件押金”、“招标通知”］
投标条件 Tóubiāo tiáojiàn
［见“招标文件”］
自行车道 Zìxíngchēdào
专为自行车通行的道路，可为在街道两旁的专用车道。在美国，绿地或园林内也常设有供娱乐用的自行车道。
数量明细表 Shùliàng míngxìbiǎo
［见“工程用料与设备清单”］
卖契 Màiqì
在美国，指载明产业或货物的所有权，以一定价格在指定条件下由一方转让给另一方的法律性文件。
揽总抵押 Lǎnzǒng dǐyā
以许多地块为抵押品的留置权，通常是由于土地再划分者或开发者购得整块土地后划成小块出售或开发所形成。又称为揽总抵押信托书。
揽总抵押信托书 Lǎnzǒng dǐyāxìntuōshū
［见“揽总抵押”］
衰落 Shuāiluò
在美国，指城市中某些建筑物或住宅区的衰退情况。［参见“贫民窟”、“城市改造”］
一揽子赠款 Yīlǎnzi zèngkuǎn
在美国，由联邦政府向地方政府提供的资金，用来资助当地的建设，例如修道路、办教育、进行城市的一般建设等。一揽子赠款是分享财政收入的方式之一，其资金按公式拨款而不采取竞争方式。［参见“竞争性拨款”、“受资助城市”、“按公式拨款”、“赠款”］
套楼房 Tàolóufáng
［见“公寓楼”］
区划申诉委员会 Qūhuà shēnsù wěiyuánhuì
在美国，由市长任命或作为市议会的委员会之一的半独立性地方机构，负责听取对于区划执行官的决定的意见，准许区划宽限，对于免受区划限制或特殊用途的申请作出决定。［参见“城市规划委员会”、“专用许可证”、“区划特许证”］
供膳宿的私家住宅 Gōngshànsùde sījiā zhùzhái
在美国，指由房主供应一般价格的膳食及住宿的私人住宅。
1.保证书 Bǎozhèngshū
在美国，指订立合同的一方保证在规定日期内完成某项工作或某项义务的协议书，如承包的一方未能完成协议的规定或违约，则订立合同的另一方将得到赔偿。［参见“投标保单”、“完工保证书”、“维修保证书”、“履行合同保单”］
2.债券 Zhàiquàn
在美国，指由政府或企业发行的一种证券，保证购券人可得到固定利率的利息，这种债券和短期借款不同，在债券期满前并不要求偿还本金。由政府发行，通过向使用者取费回收的债券，或为某些服务项目提供资金而发行的债券都称为收益债券。债券一般按项目定名，例如“上下水债券”。［参见“工业债券”、“抵押受益券”］
奖罚条款 Jiǎngfá tiáokuǎn
在美国，指合同中的一项条款，规定承包人如在完工日期以前完成施工任务，可得到奖金，如不能按期完工则将处以罚款。
开发奖励 Kāifā jiǎnglì
在美国，由社区授予城市建设投资人的一种特权，以换取社区无力获得的利益。开发者则将建筑物的下面几层以合理价格租给零售商店，作为交换条件。［参见“鼓励性区划”］
借景 Jièjǐng
中国古典园林的一种设计艺术，即将外部景物纳入园内，使之与园内景色融为一体。这种手法亦可用作城市规划设计，即将远方景色收入城市环境之中。［参见“风景建筑学”、“对景”、“意境”］
净收益栏 Jìngshōuyìlán
原指会计学上表示净收益的专栏项目，即一个公司、单位或产品的净利润。在美国的日常用语中则指一个过程、计划或商业业务中最重要的因素或结果。此词有时也可引申为非经济性的结果，如因某些事态所导致的重要人事更动等。
地界测量 Dìjiè cèliáng
［见“土地测量”］
绞脑汁会 Jiǎonǎozhīhuì
为解决难题或探索新途径而采取的一种非正式的、讨论激烈的集体献计方式。通常为与会者规定时限，会上发表的各种意见经过严格筛选，并对好的意见加以发展，直至获得一项或数项决议。［参见“概念发展”］
收支平衡点 Shōuzhī pínghéngdiǎn
当产品的销售或产量恰好抵消各项成本，既无利润又无损失时，即为收支平衡点。美国房地产业的收支平衡点是指商业或居住用房地产的租金收入与全部开支及应偿付债务相等时的租金额。
防护带 Fánghùdài
用以分隔不同用途的区域之间的土地。例如，划作工业用的土地与居住用的土地之间，仓库与交通设施区以及文教区之间。防护带的作用在于减少噪声、不雅观、烟尘、爆炸、火灾、臭气或有毒气体，除绿化以外不作其他处理。在中国，不允许在这部分土地上建造任何建筑物。
可建面积 Kějiàn miànjī
在美国，指除留作院落和绿地用的最低限度的空地外，可供建筑用的土地。
改建工程 Gǎijiàn gōngchéng
对现有建筑中的某一部分进行改建的工程。不同于加建工程。［参见“加建工程”、“住房改善”］
基底面积 Jīdǐmiànjī
在美国，指基地上由主要建筑物和附属建筑物所占的土地面积，自底层外墙面计算，不包括无顶的入口平台、露台和台阶。
建筑法规与标准 Jiànzhù fǎguī yǔ biāozhǔn
1.在美国，指州政府或地方政府采用的一系列法令和规范，用以管理所辖区内任何建筑物或构筑物的设计、施工、材料、改建和使用。建筑法规可由警方实施，以保护公众健康、安全和福利。法规中一般包括建筑物重要设备（包括电力、机械、给排水及采暖各系统）的技术标准。因此，建筑法规也可以说是在指定地区内保证设计和施工达到最基本水平所必需的标准的总和。
在实践中，法规的系统颇为复杂，在美国国内约有12000个建筑法规辖区，其中大多数采用或套用三个非政府机构所编制的示范法规中的一种：①《基本建筑法规》（BBC）；②《南方标准法规》；③《统一建筑法规》（UBC）。州政府和地方政府可采用以下四种措施之一：①全盘采用一种示范法规，使之在辖区内具有法律效力；②将一种示范法规加以改编，使之适合其辖区的特殊情况；③自行编制本地区的法规，例如纽约市及芝加哥制定的建筑法规；④地方政府不自行编制建筑法规，而采用有关的技术标准，例如在电力系统中采用《国家电力法规》（NEC）。
现在美国虽然约有半数的州已采用全州性的建筑法规，但解释权和执行权一般属于地方政府，由美国住房与城市发展部（HUD）所制订的活动房屋构造标准是唯一的全国性建筑法规，该部所颁布的《最低房产标准》（MPS），仅适用于建造受联邦政府补助的住房，约占现有住房总量的5%。但目前，《最低房产标准》已逐渐被淘汰，而代之以另一非政府组织—美国建筑官员委员会（CABO），为1—2户的住宅所制定的新的示范住房法规。［参见“体积规定”、“执行法规”、“施工规范研究院”、“样板法规”、“功能法规”、“规格法规”、“说明书”、“日照标准”］
2.在中国，建筑与施工方面的法由人民代表大会常务委员会发布。建筑法令，由国务院批准，二者均在全国范围内执行。自20世纪70年代以来，建筑及住房方面的立法工作，如结构工程、建筑产品安全等方面，已取得一定成果。有关城市规划的第一部法令1984年春由国务院颁发。在建筑设计及住房设备方面的立法，尚待继续进行。
建筑规范一般均为国家级，为指导设计和施工的强制性技术文件，大多数为功能规范。规程是根据规范制定的一系列说明具体技术要求的文件，由有关部门或地方政府批准。标准由国家标准局确定，可分为四级。①国家标准：在全国范围内统一执行，对国民经济和技术发展有重大关系的标准。②部门或专业标准：由专业部门或专业标准化组织批准发布，在某部门或专业范围内统一执行的标准。③地方标准：除国家标准和部门标准外，由某一地方主管部门批准发布，在该地方范围内统一执行的标准。④企业标准：一般为产品标准。由企业单位或其上级有关机构批准发布，在该企业内统一执行的标准。
建筑群 Jiànzhùqún
在美国一般指属于同一建设项目，在设计与/或功能上密切相关的一组建筑。
建筑密度 Jiànzhù mìdù
在美国，指建筑占地面积与基地面积之比。
可出租面积比 Kēchūzūmiànjībǐ
在美国，指建筑物内可供出租的建筑面积与全部建筑面积之比。［参见“可出租面积”］
建筑高度 Jiànzhù gāodù
建筑物竖向的量度，以层数或尺寸（英尺或米）计。市区的建筑高度一般有规定。在美国，常以一、二层为低层，三至七层为中层，超过七层者为高层。在中国，根据住宅建筑设计规范，一至三层为低层，四至六层为多层，七至九层为中高层，十至三十层为高层。［参见“建筑高度区划”］
建筑监察员 Jiànzhù jiāncháyuán
美国市政府的官员之一，其职责为通过对建筑设计及施工的审查，监督建筑法规及区划规定的实施，并有权颁发施工执照及已竣工房屋的使用许可证。［参见“执行法规”、“现场监督”、“区划执行官”］
建筑法 Jiànzhùfǎ
［见“建筑法规与标准”］
建筑红线 Jiànzhù hóngxiàn
按照地方建筑规范的规定，建筑物的外立面所不能超出的界线。
建筑材料检验 Jiànzhù cáiliào jiǎnyàn
根据政府机构（如美国国家标准局）或公认的标准委员会、工业协会、专业团体或私营试验机构，如美国试验与材料学会（ASTM），所规定的功能准则、标准和步骤，对于某种类型的建筑材料作出评定。［参见“确认”、“材料与制品鉴定”、“功能法规”、“质量控制”］
建筑法令 Jiànzhù fǎlìng
［见“建筑法规与标准”］
朝向 Cháoxiàng
指一块土地或建筑物在基本方位上的方向。朝向对气候、日照及环境的影响起决定作用。
施工执照 Shīgōng zhízhào
由政府有关部门签发的一种工程施工许可证。允许施工单位根据批准的图纸及说明书进行工程施工。在中国，施工执照仅在城市规划管理局已经拨地，并批准总平面布置图和设计方案或初步设计后，方可签发。［参见“区划行政官”］
建筑物理 Jiànzhù wùlǐ
有关建筑结构和设计的物理原理的知识，例如声学。
建筑规程 Jiànzhù guīchéng
［见“建筑法规与标准”］
建房协会 Jiànfáng xiéhuì
［见“储蓄贷款协会”］
建筑标准 Jiànzhù biāozhǔn
［见“建筑法规与标准”］
建筑工种 Jiànzhù gōngzhǒng
建筑业中需要技巧或部分技巧的专业工种。
建成环境 Jiànchéng huánjìng
1. 已有建筑物的区域。
2. 有密集建筑物的城市地区，以区别于自然环境。
建成区 Jiànchéngqū
已普遍开发并有建筑物、仓库及服务性场地的区域，从实体的含义上说，本词现在经常为“城市”的同义词。［参见“聚集体”］
体积规定 Tǐjīguīdìng
在美国，指控制建筑物的允许高度、深度、密度和宽度所作的规定。［参见“建筑法规与标准”、“建筑面积比”］
带回廊的小住宅 Dàihuílángde xiǎozhùzhái
在美国，指一层或一层半、建造坚实且带回廊的小住宅，有时也可泛指任何小住宅。
折扣售房 Zhékòu shòufáng
在美国，指筹措购房资金的一种方法，由房地产开发者或建造者承担一部分建设费用，以吸引购房者，建造者可在房地产抵押中代买主支付一部分贷款利息或替买主获得低息抵押贷款。又称建造者折扣。
绕行路 Ràoxínglù
在美国，指为了加速交通、减少城市交通拥挤而环绕建成区外围的道路，通常呈半环状，并与主要道路相连。［参见“高速公路”］