Definitions starting with p

• package station An automated self-serve facility for shipping and receiving packages.
• packaging facility Industrial space where goods are placed in packages for further distribution.
• paddleboat rental A place where boats powered by foot pedals can be rented.
• pagoda A Buddhist or Taoist tower built as a monument or a house of worship.
• paint store Retail space specializing in paints, varnishes, and other surface coatings.
• paintball A location designated for simulated combat in which players shoot each other with globs of paint or gelatin.
• painting contractor A company which paints the exterior or interior common areas of a structure.
• palace A building of exceptional grandeur which was built as an aristocratic residence.
• pallet racking A shelving area where objects are placed on uniform-sized platforms that can be lifted by forklift trucks.
• pancake restaurant A restaurant specializing in pancakes and other breakfast foods.
• panda exhibit A zoo habitat for housing and displaying small giant pandas.
• panel insulation Insulation in the form of slabs, panels or stiff sheets.
• panels A facade formed by many independent bordering sheets mounted onto the framework.
• panoramic elevators Elevators with glass walls which provide views from inside.
• paper mill A facility for processing raw tree products into wood pulp or finished paper.
• paper storage Space for bulk storage of raw paper, cardboard, or similar paper products.
• parallel-ridged roof A roof with multiple non-intersecting ridgelines.
• parallelogram A floor plan with 4 sides in 2 parallel pairs which do not meet in right angles.
• parapet A building summit formed by a perimeter wall around the roof.
• parcel distribution center A place for collection and distribution of shipped packages between the sender and receiver.
• parish church A church which serves a designated parish community and where certain ceremonies or sacraments may be performed.
• park A grassy or naturalistic area for recreation and repose in an urban or small town setting.
• parking Places for leaving vehicles or other movable objects when not in use.
• parking admission A booth, office, or other facility which sells or regulates admissions to parking places.
• parking deck An open-air parking structure with stacked floors connected by ramps.
• parking guidance system A variable message system which directs drivers to available parking spots.
• parking lot A paved area with slots for temporary storage of road vehicles.
• parking management The operator of parking services on a site or in a structure.
• parking system manufacturer A company that builds mechanical systems to hold cars densely or efficiently in a parking location.
• parquet Flooring made of wood pieces arranged in a geometric or mosaic pattern.
• part of a landmark district An object which is not landmarked itself, but is a contributing member of a larger protected district.
• partial renovation begins Intensive renovation work affecting at least 10% of a structure's space begins.
• partial renovation ends Intensive renovation work affecting at least 10% of a structure's space is completed.
• particle accelerator A large-scale collider which propels subatomic particles in a high-energy beam for research in physics.
• partition zone A section of a building divided internally from other sections by continuous partitions cutting through all levels.
• partly built then destroyed Demolished or otherwise destroyed after construction began but before completion.
• partly open roof A roof which does not cover the whole upper level, leaving an area enclosed by walls but open to the sky.
• passenger elevator capacity The maximum number of persons that one passenger elevator can transport together safely.
• passenger elevator load (max) The maximum weight which a passenger elevator can safely carry, expressed in kilograms or pounds.
• passenger elevator(s) Elevators are available for the vertical transportation of tenants or regular users of the structure.
• passenger port terminal A site where passengers regularly board and alight from large ships.
• passenger traffic per year The number of persons entering or passing through a transportation node as passengers in its primary connected routes.
• passive heating Heat is absorbed from the environment and retained through special insulating properties.
• pasture A distinct area of grasses or herbaceous plants kept open for grazing by animals.
• paternoster Vertical lifts attached to a continuously moving loop.
• paternoster manufacturer A manufacturer of continuously moving vertical transportation loops.
• pathway A route or link for traffic within a transportation network.
• pathways Guided routes for any sort of transportation.
• paved area A land area consisting of an artificial or constructed surface.
• pavilion An open-air shelter consisting of a roof and supports with at least one open side.
• paving block manufacturer A manufacturer of bricks, blocks, or stones used in outdoor paving.
• pawnshop A store which buys and sells miscellaneous goods of value, or holds goods temporarily as collateral for secured loans to clients.
• peach A very light shade of orange, between orange and white.
• peak attendance at one time The highest number of persons who have ever used or visited a place at one time in history.
• peak electric demand The maximum number of Kilowatts consumed by an object at one time.
• peak staff population The highest number of persons employed inside a structure at any one time.
• pear A very light shade of greenish yellow.
• pedestrian emergency exit A point of egress from a structure available only for emergencies.
• pedestrian main entrance A primary point of entry into a main usage zone of a structure.
• pedestrian side entrance A secondary entry point into a structure, or a portal into a side usage zone.
• pediatrics Clinical space for medical care dealing specifically with infants, children, and adolescents.
• pediment A peaked gable on top of a set of columns or pilasters.
• pedway connection An internal link to a network of buildings connected by public passageways.
• pellet stove An interior heating system using a stove which burns compact pellets of biomass or compressed wood.
• pendulum ride A thrill ride which swings or twirls passengers at a great height.
• pension A small, home-like hotel, usually owned or run by a family.
• pension fund A collective investment fund created to provide retirement income.
• pentagon A roughly even 5-sided floor plan.
• pentecostal church A house of worship in the Pentecostal faith.
• perfume store A shop specializing in the sale of fragrant sprays and liquids for the body.
• perimeter form The outline shape of a horizontal cross section at the majority of a building's floor levels.
• perlite loose fill Grains of volcanic glass used as thermal insulation.
• persian restaurant A restaurant specializing in Persian cuisine.
• personal memorial A site or object dedicated to the memory of a person as an expression of love or caring.
• personal observation Direct experience of data by the person entering it.
• persons Statistics on the number of human beings involved with any structure or object.
• peruvian restaurant A restaurant specializing in Peruvian cuisine.
• pesäpallo A field constructed for pesäpallo, with bases and an outfield.
• pet boarding A place where pets are cared for temporarily when their normal caretakers are away.
• pet care Facilities offering any types of services catering to pets and domestic animals.
• pet grooming A location specializing in hygienic and cosmetic care of domestic animals.
• pet store A store which sells animals as pets.
• pet supply store A shop specializing in food, toys, and/or accessories for pets.
• petroleum storage Space for bulk storage of raw petroleum.
• pets allowed Any common or reasonable type of domestic animal may enter or be kept on the premises.
• petting zoo An animal exhibit where visitors are invited to pet and handle the animals.
• pharmacy A place which dispenses and sells prescription drugs and special medications.
• pharmacy school Classroom space for higher education in pharmacology and drug science.
• phenolic foam An inert and non-toxic polymer spray foam which is mixed with air for thermal insulation.
• phenolic rigid panels Hard insulating panels made from phenol-formaldehyde, a synthetic polymer.
• phone number The primary telephone number used to contact a person or entity.
• phone switching center A place designated for equipment and personnel which directs telephone signals between senders and receivers.
• phosphate mine A site where naturally occurring phosphate minerals are extracted from the earth.
• photo at night An exterior photo taken when the sky is dark enough that interior lights are visible from outside.
• photo of a model A photograph of a model which depicts the object concerned with.
• photo of construction A photograph showing an object during the process of its original assembly.
• photo of demolition A photograph showing an object during the process of its disassembly, damage, or destruction.
• photo of exterior A photograph giving a wide impression of the outside of an object.
• photo of exterior detail A photograph showing a small area of an object's exterior.
• photo of interior A photograph showing the interior of an object.
• photo of renovation A photograph showing the work being performed on an object to alter it after its completion.
• photo of surroundings A photograph depicting anything immediately outside of the object referred to by the image.
• photocopy center A retail space providing machines and services for printing and copying.
• photograph A mechanical reproduction of an object taken with a camera.
• photographic studio A place where professional photographers take composed photographs and/or develop and print photographic film.
• photovoltaic panels Panels installed on or by a structure which harness solar power and convert it to electricity.
• photovoltaics installation A company which installs solar cells on a building's roof, facade, or grounds.
• photovoltaics manufacturer A company which manufactures solar power cells used on a structure.
• physical alteration An event associated with physical changes in an object, especially improvements and reconfigurations.
• physical therapy Clinical space for treatments that improve the ability of patients to move around.
• picnic A site designated for casual outdoor eating, with the food brought in by the people eating it.
• picture A medium to large fixed window that fills its opening.
• picture frame store A shop specializing in frames for paintings, posters, photographs, and other wall hangings.
• pier A pathway or platform built over a body of water to provide access to the water or objects in it.
• pilates A place designated for pilates exercises, usually with a trainer or in a group.
• pile foundation A foundation consisting of vertical supports which are hammered into the ground.
• pilgrimage site A place that is widely or formally recognized as a destination for devotional travelers.
• pink A light shade of red, about halfway between red and white.
• pinpoint location The most central balancing point within a boundary or footprint outline; normally its geometric barycenter.
• pipe organ A musical instrument played on a keyboard which drives pressurized air through large metal pipes.
• pipeline An elevated line of connected pipes forming a conduit for long-distance transport of liquid or gas.
• pistachio A slightly grayish shade of green.
• pizza take-out A place where pizza can be purchased for take-out, with no restaurant-style table service available.
• pizzeria A restaurant whose primary or featured offering is pizza.
• plan submitted for approval Plans for a structure are first submitted to the government for approval.
• planetarium An astronomical museum with a domed auditorium for sky shows.
• planned Construction is expected to start in the future.
• planned lifetime The length of time that an object is designed to last, as of the end of the design phase.
• planning consultant A firm which provides expertise in guiding a construction project through the planning process.
• planning event Events associated with the planning, design, and development of a built object.
• plant nursery A controlled growing environment for potted or transplantable plants.
• plant oil storage Space for bulk storage of raw plant oils.
• plastered coating A facade covered by a layer of protective or decorative material other than paint, which is applied in wet form.
• plastic Facades made of any type of synthetic polymers.
• plastic flooring Flooring materials composed of molded chemical substances, either as sheets or tiles.
• plastic storage Space for bulk storage of raw plastics.
• platform A flat structure with distinct edges.
• platform lift A platform raised and lowered mechanically to transport persons and cargo between different levels.
• platinum An extremely light gray, about halfway between silver and white.
• platinum mine A site where naturally occurring platinum ore is extracted from the earth.
• play area Sites designated for free play or interpersonal games.
• playground A special area for children to play on equipment designed for their enjoyment.
• playground An outdoor area with a collection of fixed equipment for children to play on.
• playroom An indoor area for children to play in, which is shared by tenants or users of a building.
• playsite A distinct outdoor area constructed for a recreational purpose with one or many minor supporting structures.
• plaza A large paved open space on the property which is open to the public.
• plaza A large or medium-sized paved area for pedestrians in an urban setting.
• plug load power density The amount of electricity consumed by appliances per unit of floor area.
• plugged-in appliances Electric lighting without fixed installations, relying on movable lights plugged into sockets.
• plumbing contractor The company which builds a structure's plumbing network.
• plumbing engineering A company which designs mechanical systems which handle water flow in a structure.
• podiatry Clinical space where doctors treat or advise patients for conditions of the feet.
• podium A distinct base section, either spread out at the foot of a building or holding entirely different internal areas.
• podium roof height The elevation above base level at the point where a tower rises distinctly from a much wider and lower enclosure.
• points The official score given in a particular bestowal of any recognition.
• points of entry Entrances or interfaces between a place and the outside world.
• pole A narrow freestanding tower built as a single continuous vertical element.
• pole manufacturer A manufacturer of single-beam masts, either freestanding or attached to another structure.
• police academy A center for training police officers in the skills and practices of their jobs.
• police headquarters The administrative offices of a municipal or governmental police department.
• police station A base used for law enforcement activities by a public police force.
• policy Rules or regulations which apply to the usage of a structure.
• polish restaurant A restaurant specializing in Polish cuisine.
• polo A field used for playing polo, with teams riding on horses or other animals.
• polyester Flooring made with a thick coating of polyester, a common polymer plastic.
• polyethylene foam Foam insulation made from common plastic.
• polyisocyanurate foam Insulating foam made from polyisocyanurate, a plastic similar to polyurethane.
• polyisocyanurate rigid panels Hard insulating panels made from polyisocyanurate, a plastic similar to polyurethane.
• polystyrene rigid panels Hard insulating panels made from extruded polystyrene.
• polyurethane Flooring coated with a thick poured layer of polyurethane resin.
• polyurethane foam Insulating foam made from polyurethane and sprayed onto a surface or into a cavity.
• polyurethane rigid panels Hard insulating panels made from polyurethane, a common plastic with exceptionally high insulation properties.
• popcorn shop A stand or eatery specializing in popcorn.
• population The number of persons with primary residence in an area at a particular time.
• porch An elevated outdoor platform with living space, projecting from a building and connected to the ground by a short stairway.
• portable construction An object built with the intentional possibility of relocation to different sites.
• porte-cochere A covered pavilion over a driveway adjoining a building entrance.
• portuguese restaurant A restaurant specializing in Portuguese cuisine.
• post office A node where shipping and delivery services are provided to users by a governmental mail system.
• postal code The official locator number used by the national postal service for any address.
• postmodern Architecture after 1970 which plays creatively with ornamentation or massing derived retroactively from historical styles.
• powder An extremely light shade of blue, closer to white than blue.
• powder coating manufacturer A manufacturer of powder-based facade finishes.
• power consumption The number of kilowatts (kW) normally used by an object when fully operating.
• power distribution A site used in the distribution of electric power between its points of generation and use.
• power generation Sites where any kind of raw energy is generated by harnessing available sources.
• power generator manufacturer The manufacturer of standard electrical generators used in a completed structure.
• power output The number of kilowatts (kW) normally generated by an object when fully operating.
• prairie school Architecture influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, with natural materials and broad horizontal lines.
• pre-furnished units Some units are available that come with furniture so that tenants do not need to bring their own.
• pre-school A school-like facility which acculturates very young children before they enter kindergarten.
• precast concrete A load-bearing staircase frame built of concrete that was formed and dried away from the building site.
• precast concrete A roof-supporting framework made of precast concrete.
• precast concrete A load-bearing frame built out of concrete plates and beams which arrive on the site already formed and dried.
• prefabricated A construction method in which a structure is assembled quickly from large components manufactured off-site.
• presbyterian church A house of worship in the Presbyterian faith.
• preserved site Places open to the public as historical or architectural examples.
• pressure Measurements of absolute or relative pressure in gases, fluids, or solids.
• pressurized stairwells Interior stairways with an air pressure higher than the surroundings for fire safety.
• preventive medicine Clinical space or doctor's offices with a focus on preventing diseases and ailments.
• primary e-mail contact The most relevant e-mail address for inquiries about a structure or property.
• primary lot number A number or string of characters identifying a land parcel.
• primary school Classroom space for students between kindergarten and intermediate level.
• primary telephone contact The most relevant telephone number for inquiries about a structure or property.
• primary use The basic activity intended for at least 10% of any defined space.
• primate exhibit A zoo space for housing and public viewing of monkeys, apes, lemurs, or other primates.
• printing plant A site for mechanized printing of mass materials on paper, such as newspapers, magazines, and books.
• prison A place where persons convicted of crimes are incarcerated.
• privacy barrier A barrier used to prevent outsiders from looking in.
• private aircraft hangar Enclosed space for storage and/or maintenance of privately owned aircraft used for personal flights.
• private database A collection of data which is maintained and issued by a non-governmental entity.
• private homes Housing spaces where the occupier lives independently with a high level of privacy.
• private hospital A general-care hospital operated by a non-governmental and non-educational organization.
• private library A library which is not run by a school or a government.
• private parking Places for leaving private vehicles, which are not available to the general public.
• private social club A members-only social club for persons of good standing in a particular geographic area or field of endeavor.
• processing plant Industrial space where items or materials are altered, packaged, or mixed but not manufactured.
• product display tower A structure designed for prominently displaying merchandise.
• product repair Industrial facilities for performing repairs of various products.
• product testing Facilities where inventions, new technologies, and manufactured products are tested.
• professional school Classroom space for college-level or postgraduate institutions with a specific professional focus.
• professional website A third party internet site published by a person or organization with professional knowledge of the data.
• progressive stairway Stairs which continue from one floor to another without turning.
• project announced The first public or recorded announcement of a designed structure's realization occurs.
• project canceled Plans for a structure are abandoned or are no longer proclaimed publicly.
• project management A developer's agent who coordinates the activities of construction contractors and design teams.
• projecting wall A building summit formed by a slab rising above the rest of the structure.
• propane storage Space for bulk storage of raw propane.
• property award A laudatory recognition given to a property for its success in meeting the needs of its users.
• property listing A notice of availability for a certain property, either by sale, lease, sub-lease, or time-share.
• property management The party responsible for the operations and tenant services in a structure.
• property tax The amount of money levied by the government on a property per year.
• proposed Possibility of construction has been announced, and is awaiting approval by local authorities.
• proposed arena A planned and not existing enclosed area designed to showcase theater, musical performances, or sporting events.
• prosecutor's office Offices for government lawyers who press charges and accusations against a defendant in court.
• psychiatric hospital A place for long-term care of the mentally ill.
• psychiatric medicine Clinical space where doctors treat mental and behavioral ailments through medical interventions.
• psychotherapy A clinic or office where patients are guided out of psychological disturbances by a professional therapist.
• public amenity A feature of a structure which benefits the public at large, and does not only serve its own tenants.
• public area renovation begins Major physical changes to various parts of the public areas of a building's interior space begin.
• public area renovation ends Major physical changes to various parts of the public areas of a building's interior space are completed.
• public authority A governmental body with executive or legislative powers.
• public bath A communal place for bathing and relaxing in tanks or tubs of water.
• public hearing Any major public meeting is convened to discuss a planned structure.
• public housing Housing space provided and leased by a government for social benefit.
• public indoor passageway An enclosed public pedestrian right of way through a building at ground level.
• public library A government-run library which is either open to the public as of right, or which serves the public as a repository.
• public parking A parking area which is open to the public (often for a fee).
• public parking Sites for leaving or storing personal motor vehicles, which are open to any user.
• public relations agency A firm specializing in publicity and image enhancement.
• puce A mixture of gray and red; a dark dull shade of pink.
• pulmonology Clinical space where doctors treat or advise patients for conditions of the lungs or respiratory tract.
• pulp storage Space for bulk storage of raw wood pulp, usually for use in making paper.
• pump manufacturer A manufacturer of equipment used to create pressure in a building's plumbing system.
• purple Medium purple, a secondary color halfway between red and blue.
• purple Colors with a purplish hue, ranging from light lavender to very dark violet or indigo.
• pyramid A solid masonry construction with 3 or 4 smooth sides joined at the top in a point.
• pyramid A symmetrical roof with 3 or 4 sloping sides which meet in a point.

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