Section 5 Applying Technology: Producing Products and Structures
338
Residential
We live in buildings, buy products in build-
ings, work in buildings, and worship in
buildings, to name a few activities we do in
buildings. To help understand the types of
buildings people design, build, and use, we
will explore three major types of buildings
and then briefly review some more unique
structures.
Residential Buildings
Residential buildings are buildings in
which people live. These buildings can be
single-family or multiple-unit dwellings.
The multiple-unit dwellings include apart-
ments, town houses, and condominiums.
A residential building can be either
owner occupied or rented from the owner.
The owner of a dwelling is responsible for
the dwelling’s upkeep. In some types of
dwellings, such as condominiums, the costs
of upkeep are shared between the owners.
Each owner belongs to and pays fees to an
association. This group elects officers who
manage the maintenance of common areas
such as entryways, garages, parking areas,
and lawns. The association is also respon-
sible for exterior repairs and insurance on
the building. The individual owners main-
tain their own living quarters and insure
their personal belongings against fire and
theft.
Commercial Buildings
Commercial buildings are used for
business purposes. These buildings can be
publicly or privately owned. Commercial
buildings range in size from small to very
large. Retail stores, offices, and warehouses
are commercial buildings.
Industrial Buildings
Industrial buildings house machines
that make products. These buildings are
used to protect machinery, materials, and
workers from the weather. The building sup-
ports the machines and supplies the utility
needs of the manufacturing process. Many
industrial buildings are specially built for
one manufacturing process.
Other Types of Buildings
You see commercial, industrial, and
residential buildings all around you. If you
look around your town or city, however,
you probably see other types of buildings.
See Figure 17-3. These might include the
following:
Monuments. These structures pay
tribute to the accomplishments or
sacrifices of people or groups.
Types of Buildings
Commercial
Industrial
Figure 17-2. Construction is used to build
residential, commercial, and industrial
buildings.
Marvin Windows and Doors, Inland Steel Company