public-building

Community-owned municipal structure

A public building is a structure owned or operated by a government and open to general use: courthouses, libraries, post offices, city halls.

The term often appears in legal and regulatory contexts, particularly regarding accessibility requirements and public safety codes: The new public-building standards mandate wheelchair ramps at all entrances.

civic

courthouse

Legal proceedings venue

libraryBook collection or building
aldermanElected municipal legislator
town-clerkMunicipal administrative officer

architecture

facade

Deceptive outward appearance

entrancePoint of access
porticoColumned covered entryway
columnsUpright structural shafts

rotunda · atrium · dome · accessibility · ramp · elevator · lobby · foyer · corridor · plaza

cultural

museum

Public exhibit space

gallerySpace for displaying artwork
theaterVenue for live drama
auditoriumRoom for spectators

amphitheater · planetarium · aquarium · memorial · monument · archive · docent

educational

school

Place of instruction

universityHigher education institution
collegeHigher education institution
academyInstitution of learning

campus · laboratory · gymnasium · cafeteria · auditorium · dormitory · elementary · secondary · vocational · polytechnic

infrastructure

station

Fixed stopping point

terminalAt the endpoint
airportAviation passenger facility
hospitalMedical treatment facility

clinic · sanitation · paramedic · triage

Opposites

ownership/access

public-buildingprivate residence

private property · family home · private estate · gated community · exclusive club

function/purpose

public-buildingprivate residence

dwelling · house · home · residence · domicile

Family

public, building, publics, publicly, publicity, publicize, publicized, publicizing, publication

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G