mega-structures
Enormous engineered edifices
Mega-structures are exceptionally large engineered constructions—buildings, bridges, dams, or other built forms of unusual scale and complexity.
The term often appears in discussions of ambitious architecture and civil engineering: The Three Gorges Dam is one of the world's great mega-structures.
In science fiction, mega-structures extend to hypothetical planet-sized constructions like Dyson spheres or ringworlds.
Also spelled as one word: megastructures.
Self-contained sustainable city structure
- biodomeEnclosed artificial ecosystem
- worldshipSelf-sustaining interstellar habitat
- terraformingModifying worlds for habitability
Very tall urban building
- high-riseMultistory tall building
- supertallOver 300 meters high
- mixed-useCombining different functions
- stadiumLarge venue for spectators
bridge · dam · seawall · tunnel · megamall · arcaded · podium · superblock
Technical construction drawings
- constructionProcess of building something
- foundationsStructural bases below ground
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
- steelworkMetal structural components
girder · truss · cantilever · beam · column · crane · bolting · welding
Notable point of reference
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
- symbolRepresentational mark or sign
- monumentStructure honoring someone remembered
- spectacleVisually striking event
flagship · showcase · signature · celebrated
Extremely large in scale
- monumentalExceptionally large or significant
- toweringOf imposing height
- gargantuanExtremely immense in scope
- enormousExtremely large in scale
vast · gigantic · massive · immense · titanic · sprawling · expansive · mammoth
Net-zero emissions state
- net-zeroBalanced emissions state
- geothermalRelating to underground heat
- bioclimaticRelating climate to organisms
- eco-designEnvironmentally mindful product creation
arcology
Self-contained sustainable city structure
- biodomeEnclosed artificial ecosystem
- worldshipSelf-sustaining interstellar habitat
- terraformingModifying worlds for habitability
skyscraper
Very tall urban building
- high-riseMultistory tall building
- supertallOver 300 meters high
- mixed-useCombining different functions
stadium · bridge · dam · seawall · tunnel · megamall · arcaded · podium · superblock · megaproject
blueprints
Technical construction drawings
- constructionProcess of building something
- foundationsStructural bases below ground
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
steelwork · girder · truss · cantilever · beam · column · crane · bolting · welding · excavation
landmark
Notable point of reference
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
- symbolRepresentational mark or sign
- monumentStructure honoring someone remembered
spectacle · flagship · showcase · signature · celebrated
colossal
Extremely large in scale
- monumentalExceptionally large or significant
- toweringOf imposing height
- gargantuanExtremely immense in scope
enormous · vast · gigantic · massive · immense · titanic · sprawling · expansive · mammoth · hulking
carbon-neutral
Net-zero emissions state
- net-zeroBalanced emissions state
- geothermalRelating to underground heat
- bioclimaticRelating climate to organisms
mega-structurestemporary structures
Constructions not meant to last
tents · portable shelters · yurts · shanties · bivouacs