Definitions starting with s

• SKYDB Object ID A unique numeric string used to represent an object in the Phorio system.
• safety consultant A company which provides expertise on creating a safe environment for a structure's users.
• safety feature Features and properties of an object which maintain security and safety.
• sailboat rental A place where boats propelled by wind sails can be rented.
• salad cafe A dining establishment for light meals featuring salads and fresh produce.
• sale A full transfer of ownership of a property from one party to another.
• sales cost The most recently assessed or currently charged price of space in a structure per measured square unit of floor space.
• salmon A light shade of red with a slight tint of orange; also dark orangish pink.
• salt mine A site where naturally occurring rock salt is extracted from the earth.
• salt storage Space for bulk storage of salt.
• salt therapy A place where people expose themselves to salt mists, sprays, or salinated air for health benefits.
• sanatorium A facility for long-term care of terminally or seriously ill patients.
• sand quarry A site where loose sand is extracted from the ground or a seabed in large quantities.
• sand storage Space for bulk storage of fine granular rock.
• sandstone Flooring made from blocks or sheets of natural sandstone.
• sandstone A soft, easily carved rock formed from pressurized deposits of sand.
• sandstone quarry A site where sedimentary rock of compacted sand is extracted from the earth in large blocks.
• sandwich fast food A fast food restaurant specializing in sandwiches, where food is ordered and picked up at a counter.
• sanitary engineering A company which designs mechanical systems which clear waste from a structure.
• sash A window which opens vertically by sliding along tracks at the sides.
• satellite A detached part of a structure which nevertheless belongs to that structure as an integral part.
• satellite dish A concave disc mounted on or near an object to relay microwave signals to or from satellites.
• sauna A wooden steam bath shared by multiple tenants.
• sauna A strongly heated wood-lined room or building where people can take a steam bath.
• sausage stand A limited-service eatery or take-out place specializing in sausages.
• sawdust A floor or ground area composed of very fine particles of wood.
• sawdust storage Space for bulk storage of very small wood particles.
• sawmill A facility for processing raw tree trunks and branches into cut and ready-to-use wood.
• scaffolding A company which owns and leases scaffolding used in the construction of a structure.
• school An institution of learning below the university level.
• school of education Classroom space for higher learning in the study and methods of education.
• science/technology museum A museum specializing in various topics related to scientific discoveries and technological developments.
• scientific research Places for research and inquiry in medicine or the pure sciences.
• scientology
• scissor lift Elevators raised and lowered from underneath by an extendable lattice of criss-crossed folding beams.
• sculpture A building summit formed by a three-dimensional artwork belonging to the architectural design.
• sculpture A freestanding constructed artwork which is not a statue.
• sculpture park An outdoor park, garden, or plaza filled with sculptures.
• seafood restaurant A restaurant specializing in fish or other seafood.
• sealants & adhesives manufacturer A manufacturer of chemicals used to bind structural parts together in construction.
• seated capacity The maximum number of persons a structure can seat in its seating area.
• second empire Architecture belonging to or derived from the dominant Parisian style of the 1870s, with ornate facades and mansard roofs.
• second-hand baby clothing store A shop which sells used or unwanted clothing for infants, usually at a discount.
• second-hand clothing store A shop which sells used or unwanted clothing, usually at a discount.
• second-hand store A shop selling miscellaneous previously-owned items, usually at a discount.
• secondary facade material Material used for the non-display side(s) of a structure, or used in less than 10% of its facade area.
• secondary lot number A number or string of characters identifying a section of a land parcel.
• secondary use A use occupying less than 10% of any defined area.
• sector A commonly recognized market area which can overlap any official boundaries.
• security alarm An automated or user-activated system to warn off intruders or criminals and to alert police.
• security guard service On-site security personnel available 24 hours a day, or at least during all hours of usage.
• security service Companies contracted to provide security guards and watchmen.
• security system consultant A company which plans and designs security features in a structure.
• security system fabricator A manufacturer of security devices and access control systems used in a building.
• seed storage Space for bulk storage of plant seeds intended for cultivation.
• seismic resistance The maximum seismic force on the moment magnitude scale which a structure can maintain without ceasing operations.
• self-storage Space for holding personal materials which are not immediately needed.
• semicircle A building plan shaped like a circle cut in half.
• seminary A school for training new members of a religious clergy.
• senior apartments Rental housing space limited to upper age levels.
• senior condominium Owner-occupied housing reserved for persons of advanced age.
• serpentinite A dark greenish metamorphic rock rich in magnesium and iron.
• service animals allowed Animals assisting disabled persons are permitted on the premises.
• service club A non-profit social club devoted to charitable works.
• service station operator The business which operates or lends its brand to a gas station or any vehicle service outlet.
• serviced apartments Extended-stay lodgings with flexible leases and hotel amenities.
• services Retail space where the customer purchases specific actions.
• setback block A section of a building distinguished from the parts below it by a setback in the building perimeter.
• settlement A home established on an available or unoccupied site without legal pre-arrangement.
• sewage storage Space for storage of human waste.
• sewage treatment A facility for the treatment of waste water.
• sex shop A store specializing in erotic devices and toys, often with a section for adult media.
• sexual medicine Clinical space devoted to treatment, care, and prevention of sexual dysfunctions and diseases.
• shaft A tube-like above-ground enclosure for transportation.
• shared broker commission A service fee shared between the owner's agent and the property seeker's agent for a successful sale or lease transaction.
• shear wall A framing system relying on one or more solid slab walls for resistance to torsion.
• shear wall A facade formed by a continuous, free-standing, exposed structural wall.
• shear wall plus frame A system in which a strong slab wall acts in concert with strong joints to stabilize the frame.
• shed A simple enclosure without complex internal division, designed for storage or protection of inanimate objects or animals.
• sheeting A facade formed by a continuous sheet or membrane mounted over the framework.
• shell construction The company which constructs the framework of a building.
• shelter A place or object designed solely for basic shelter from rain, wind, sun, snow, or other environmental conditions.
• sheltered sidewalk A public right of way along the side of a structure with a roof or overhang sheltering pedestrians from sun and precipitation.
• shingle style A domestic style characterized by simple lines, broad gables, gentle curves, and rustic materials.
• shingles A facade composed of many small, thin, flat pieces overlapping each other.
• shinto temple A site for prayer and ritual in the Shinto faith.
• ship elevator A large structure for lifting ships from one level of water to another level.
• ship guidance A structure for signaling or guiding ships in navigable waterways.
• ship maintenance Facilities for the repair and upkeep of ships and boats.
• ship traffic A structure or site used to further the regular movement of ships or boats.
• ship traffic signal Dynamically changing signs which issue commands to ships and boats.
• shipping station A retail space similar to a post office, where packages and other items can be sent via commercial service.
• shirts required Each person entering an area must wear a shirt.
• shoe repair Retail space devoted to the repair of shoes and other footwear.
• shoe store A retail outlet specializing in footwear.
• shoes required Persons entering an area must wear shoes.
• shooting A site designated for target shooting with guns.
• shopping center A group of retail outlets in a single building or campus.
• shopping gallery A collection of stores around a central passageway forming a shopping destination.
• shops Spaces where customers purchase and come away with physical goods.
• shoring contractor A company which builds retention walls and shoring systems to prevent inflow of water, earth, or rock into a construction site.
• short-term housing Housing space for short or indefinite term periods, and run as a lodging establishment.
• show venue Places for the entertainment of a watching or listening audience.
• shrine A separate structure for the reverence of a sacred being or object.
• shutters Hinged panels which fold over windows to block light or to provide privacy.
• shuttle roller coaster A roller coaster whose trains reverse course before returning to the starting point.
• side address House numbers assigned to a property apart from the main address.
• sign Objects which represent or call attention to something else.
• sign Any kind of plaque, billboard, or placard with authoritative information.
• sign fabricator A manufacturer of exterior signs installed on or near a structure.
• sign tower A narrow freestanding vertical structure supporting a sign or billboard.
• silo An enclosure for the storage of large quantities of liquid or particle commodities.
• silver A light gray color typical of aluminum and other metals.
• silver mine A site where naturally occurring silver ore is extracted from the earth.
• silviculture Growth of trees and forests for agricultural harvesting.
• simple stairway Stairs which are straight and do not connect to another flight at floor level.
• single-room occupancy Indefinite housing space for persons who cannot or do not wish to take a permanent home address.
• single-tenant design Built space intended for one occupant only, without provisions for multiple tenants.
• singularity of a structure Guidelines for distinguishing an individual building from its built context.
• siren A device which emits a loud warning signal to alert the public in case of a catastrophic event.
• site agent Technical overseers of activity on a construction site.
• site cleanup begins Preparation of the site for construction begins.
• site plan A map showing the grounds surrounding an object.
• site preparation Excavation or site clearance is taking place.
• site remediation A company which cleans up a contaminated building site.
• skateboarding Space designated for skating on wheeled boards, with special ramps and obstacles.
• skatepark A paved area with ramps, obstacles, and uneven surfaces for skating or skateboarding.
• ski jump A ramp or chute coated with snow or lubricant for launching skiers on a downward path.
• ski jumping A constructed slope placed over a natural slope, used for the practice or performance of ski jumping.
• skiing Places for recreational or competitive skiing with snow-covered slopes or surfaces.
• skybridge An enclosed footbridge linking two buildings above ground level.
• skylights One or more horizontal or sloped windows in the roof of a building which let light into the interior.
• skylobby A shared lobby area at an elevator transfer point on a high floor.
• skylobby height The vertical distance from base level to the floorplate of the highest elevator transfer area.
• skyscraper A multi-story building at least 100 meters tall.
• skywalk A walkway extending over an open space but connected to only one side.
• slate Roofing made of slate shingles, tiles, or slabs.
• slate Flooring made of slate tiles, blocks, or sheets.
• slate A dark brittle rock which splits naturally into sheets.
• slate A medium shade of gray with a bluish tint.
• slate quarry A site where rock from metamorphized clay is extracted from the earth in large blocks or sheets.
• slats A facade composed of thin, flat strips which abut each other along the edges.
• sledding Places designated for sliding on a sled or toboggan over a snowy surface.
• sleep medicine A clinic or doctor's office specializing in treatment of sleep disorders.
• sliding A window which opens horizontally by sliding along a track.
• sloped roof A roof which slopes noticeably in a single direction.
• slots Quantities of designated spaces for parking, storage, or holding specific objects.
• small animal exhibit A zoo habitat for housing and displaying small animals, such as rodents, otters, bats, or any assortments of small animals.
• small claims court A court of law designated for legal cases involving small monetary damages.
• smartphone contact point A place specially designated for performing some activity with a smartphone.
• smelting Space for industrial extraction of metals from raw ores.
• smoke emission A place or object used for controlled emission of gases resulting from combustion.
• smoke exhaust system Ducts or other outlets designed to carry smoke or cooking fumes out of a building.
• smoking Places designated for recreational or leisure smoking.
• smoking accessories shop Retail space specializing in smoking paraphernalia and related equipment.
• smoking only in designated areas Smoking of tobacco and other products is only allowed in specially designated areas.
• smoking room A partitioned area inside a building where smoking is allowed.
• snow retention system A system on a roof designed to prevent large blocks of snow or ice from falling to the ground.
• snowboarding A site designated for sliding down a snow-covered slope on a board attached to the rider's feet.
• soapstone A soft metamorphic rock composed of talc and schist.
• soccer An outdoor rectangular grass field for football (soccer) with goals at both ends.
• social Places where people come together to be with each other.
• social object An entity composed of persons.
• social services A place where services are provided to the community for purposes of convenience or well being.
• social welfare office A government office for administering or disbursing aid to persons in need.
• sod Roofing made of living grasses rooted to a layer of soil.
• soffit lighting Indirect lighting in which lamps are directed at planar surfaces such as walls and ceilings instead of the room itself.
• soft flooring Flooring materials consisting of soft or cushioning substances.
• soft sand A floor or ground area composed of sand particles packed very loosely with pronounced ripples in the surface.
• softball A field for softball with 4 bases and a field arranged around a diamond smaller than a baseball diamond.
• soil Flooring or ground composed of earthen material with a natural mixture of minerals and organic substances.
• solar heating (active) Heat is generated by photovoltaic cells on the site.
• solar power generation A facility for generating electric power by harnessing solar energy.
• solar technology manufacturer A manufacturer of conversion and distribution equipment used in tandem with photovoltaic cells.
• solar water heating Mechanisms which use solar radiation to heat water directly.
• solid material distribution A facility for bulk conveyance of solid or particulate materials.
• sorority An exclusive social club and residence for women at a college or university.
• sound absorption A barrier used to prevent or minimize passage of sounds from one side to the other.
• source type The basic type of medium that data can be traced back to.
• souvenir store A shop whose wares are related mainly by their connection to a commemorated theme or geographic locality.
• soviet classicism Flamboyant classical design favored by 20th century communist governments.
• spa A site where people go for bodily refreshment and a physical sense of well being.
• space truss A system utilizing a three-dimensional truss to resist lateral forces.
• spacecraft maintenance Facilities for the repair and maintenance of satellites and spaceborne vehicles.
• spaceport terminal A launching or landing site for space flights.
• spaceship hangar An enclosure for storing, maintaining, and preparing space-bound vehicles.
• span length The total length of a bridge platform where it is detached from the ground.
• spanish restaurant A restaurant specializing in Spanish cuisine.
• spanish revival A revival of old Spanish and Moorish styles characterized by flamboyant ornament and bright colors.
• special distinction A generic or civic designation conferred on an object which places it in some special class.
• special region Geographic areas which are defined for special purposes.
• special-purpose courthouse A courthouse designated for a specific type of legal case.
• specialty store Retail space selling special categories of wares which do not belong to any of the general categories.
• speech therapy Clinical space for treatment of speaking disorders and impairments.
• speed Measurements of motion with respect to a defined or standard time period.
• speed trap A place or object designed to catch or penalize speeding vehicles.
• spice cultivation Areas for growing and harvesting plants with high flavor used as edible seasonings.
• spire A building summit formed by a very narrow upright decorative element.
• spirituality Spaces used for gatherings or practice of spirituality outside of traditional religions.
• split stairway Stairs whose pathway forks into clearly distinct directions on the way up or down.
• sporting goods store Retail space specializing in equipment, gear, and clothing used in sports and athletic activities.
• sports Space for athletic recreation, training, and performance.
• sports Teams, companies, and organizations involved in athletic activities.
• sports bar A bar or pub featuring nearly constant broadcasting of sports games on television screens.
• sports medicine Clinical space devoted to treatment of sports injuries and preservation of health for athletic endeavors.
• sports team An athletic organization which performs in a space on a regular basis.
• spots A somewhat regular pattern of solid markings against a different color of background.
• spread foundation A foundation consisting of multiple mats or wide footings under the ground level.
• spring green A very bright shade of light bluish green.
• sprinkler system An automated system which emits water or other extinguishing agents in case of fire.
• square A floor plan with 4 even sides meeting at right angles.
• squash One or more courts for squash, with a floor and walls conducive to bouncing.
• squatter settlement A home or group of homes established without permission on a site not belonging to the occupant(s).
• stable Housing for horses divided into multiple stalls.
• stack of units A physically grouped of related or similar units, often stacked over each other.
• stacking racks A shelving area where objects are stacked on top of each other within the framework of a large rack.
• stadium An indoor or outdoor arena for sporting events and spectators.
• stained-glass A window composed of many small pieces of colored glass.
• stainless steel A non-corrodable silvery steel with a high chromium content.
• staircase material The framing material which supports the steps and risers in an object's stairways.
• stairlift A platform attached to a stairway for carrying persons on wheelchairs.
• stairs Series of staggered steps where a person can walk up or down between levels.
• stairs down A main entrance is approached from outside by climbing down one or more stairs.
• stairs up A main entrance is approached from outside by climbing up one or more stairs.
• stairway configuration The general path of a stairway, describing the directions of individual flights and the connections between flights.
• stairway fabricator A manufacturer of pre-assembled stairways used in or on a structure.
• start date The time value when any data becomes valid in reality.
• state An official subdivision of a country.
• state code The official postal abbreviation of any first-level national subdivision.
• statuary on exterior Figurative sculptural carvings appended to the facade or roof of a structure.
• statue A freestanding sculpture which is closely representative of a person or group of persons.
• status The stage of a structure's development, from its conception to the period beyond its existence.
• steakhouse A restaurant specializing in slabs of beef, usually served with side dishes.
• steam emission A place or object used for controlled emission of hot water vapors.
• steel Window frames made from a high carbon iron alloy.
• steel A load-bearing frame composed of steel elements such as beams and plates.
• steel A roof-supporting framework made of steel.
• steel A staircase frame built of steel beams or other steel supports.
• steel A very strong iron alloy with a high percentage of carbon.
• steel fabricator A manufacturer of structural steel framing elements.
• steel gray A very dark slate color, or dark gray with a bluish tinge.
• steel sheeting Roofing made of large sheets or slats of steel.
• steel-in-concrete composite A load-bearing frame with large steel beams encased in concrete.
• stem level A level in the stem of a tower or a building, with no greater extent than a stairway landing or the equivalent.
• step pyramid A masonry construction with 3 or 4 sides rising to a narrow top with large terraces punctuating the sloping walls.
• steps above ground The number of steps in a single path from the base of a structure to its highest accessible level.
• steps underground The number of sequential steps within a structure leading down from its base to its lowest level.
• stock exchange A place designated for open trading of shares of companies.
• stone A load-bearing frame composed of naturally occurring stone.
• stone fabricator A company which cuts and sells ornamental stone pieces used in a structure, either inside or as a supplement to the facade.
• stone maintenance Companies which maintain architectural stone in good condition.
• stone slab Roofing made of large sheets, slabs, or masses of stone.
• storage Spaces for short or long term holding of goods.
• storage capacity The total volume within a built object allocated to its primary storage areas.
• storage space On-site rooms or lockers available for tenants to store materials.
• storage type The basic configuration utilized for mass storage of items or materials.
• store operator The franchisee, manager, or chain operator responsible for any kind of retail store.
• straw bales Packed stalks of any kind of grass used as a thermal insulating material.
• street A designated corridor for road vehicle transportation.
• street lamp A street lamp is a raised source of light usually located on the edge of a road.
• street-comma-number format Addresses written with the street name first, then the house number, separated by a comma.
• street-number format Addresses written with the street name first, then the house number, without a comma.
• strength Measurements of the capacity of a built object to withstand various forms of stress.
• strip club A place where persons perform nude or strip their clothing for the amusement of a live audience.
• strip mall A group of stores without a major anchor, arranged alongside a parking area.
• stripes Different shades arranged on a surface in parallel bands in any direction.
• structural components Quantities of various distinct members in the framework of a building or other object.
• structural core tops out The core section of a structural frame reaches its maximum height.
• structural engineering Companies which calculate and optimize the framework which supports and reinforces a structure.
• structural engineering software A producer of software used in structural engineering applications.
• structural expressionist Architecture which gives the appearance of high technology by emphasizing its structural elements.
• structural precast concrete fabricator The manufacturer of precast concrete components used in a structure's framework.
• structural roofplate thickness The distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the structural roof slab.
• structural weight The total mass of a completed structure without furnishings, people, or non-architectural objects.
• structural wind resistance The maximum wind speed a structure can survive without structural damage.
• structural wood fabricator The manufacturer of wood components used in a structure's framework.
• structure A constructed object whose form is generally not a sheltering enclosure.
• structure rises above base The first elements of a structure are fixed in their places above its base level.
• structured cabling High signal integrity telecommunication cables are installed.
• stucco A thick coating material made of a dried paste based on a powder and water.
• student apartments Rental housing units leased exclusively to students.
• student dormitory Housing designated for students in a controlled and collective environment.
• student union A center for student organizations with activities and services catering to students.
• sub-lease A usage agreement between a party seeking to use a property and the party already holding leasing rights to it.
• sub-national capitol The legislative headquarters building for a state, province, or other 1st level national subdivision.
• sub-national courthouse A court of law operated by a state, provincial, or other sub-national government.
• sub-national landmark protection An structure given legal protection by a top-level national subdivision.
• submarket A subset of any defined market area which mirrors the criteria for a separate market.
• submerged building A structure whose usable floor space is entirely underground or underwater.
• submersible bridge A movable bridge whose span sinks below water to allow boat traffic to move over it.
• substance abuse care home A halfway house or recovery home for patients recovering from alcohol or drug addictions.
• substance abuse treatment Clinical space for treatment of patients with alcohol or drug addictions.
• subtraction A section removed from a structure in a partial demolition.
• suevite A composite rock formed in a meteor impact containing glass and fragments of rocks.
• sugar mill An industrial site where raw plant sugar is refined or processed to prepare it for the consumer.
• sugar storage Space for bulk storage of raw plant sugars in liquid or granulated form.
• summer sledway A chute used for sledding without ice or snow, usually situated along a hillside.
• sunbathing A place designated for sitting or lying down to bask in sunshine.
• sundeck A site on a roof, terrace, or a building's lot designated for tenants to lie in the sun.
• sundial A calibrated device on the facade of a structure which displays the time using shadows cast by the sun.
• sunshading Projecting features in a facade which reduce the amount of sunlight entering windows.
• superframe A system in which multiple framed tubes are connected by horizontal framed trusses.
• supermarket A large store with a wide variety of groceries.
• supertall building A building whose architectural height is at least 300 meters.
• supreme court The highest court of law in any country, mandated to make the ultimate decision in any appeals process.
• surveyor A company which prepares technical drawings of a construction site or land plot.
• sushi restaurant A restaurant specializing in a variety of ingredients served with rice and usually served raw and/or wrapped in seaweed.
• suspended cableway A continuous route over which cables are suspended above ground for any purpose.
• suspension beam A building summit formed by a raised beam from which suspension cables are held.
• suspension bridge A bridge whose deck hangs from cables anchored to its ends.
• suspension cableway station A site where passengers regularly board and alight from ski lifts or any suspended cable cars.
• suspension length The total deck length supported by cables in a suspension bridge or cable-stayed bridge.
• sustainable design consultant A company providing expertise in achieving environmental efficiency in the construction and retrofitting of buildings.
• sweet shop A shop specializing in candies and related sweet foods.
• swimming One or more pools for athletic or recreational swimming.
• swimming pool A large, fixed basin of water available to all tenants or guests for swimming.
• swimming pool An open-air basin constructed for swimming or water sports.
• swing bridge A movable bridge whose span pivots horizontally on a fixed point.
• swing ride A mechanized ride which swings passengers around in hanging seats.
• swiss chalet A vernacular Alpine domestic style using wide gables, overhanging eaves, and exposed wood framing.
• symbolic Objects and places used to convey meaning or draw attention to something.
• symphonic hall A site dedicated to orchestral concerts, usually of classical music.
• synagogue A house of worship for Jewish prayers and services.
• synagogue A Jewish house of prayer and worship.
• synthetic membrane Roofing coated with a sheet of plastic or similar substance.

← Back to all definitions