Authors: Luke Allen, Andrew Charleson, Svetlana Brzev, and Charles Scawthorn
This online Glossary explains around 400 terms contained in the GEM Building Taxonomy v 2.0 and nearly 700 images.
The terms have been listed in alphabetical and numerical order. Text description of each term is accompanied by illustrations (photos and/or drawings) where possible.
We welcome contributions in the form of photographs or images, illustrating glossary terms. If you have any questions you can also contact us at buildingtaxonomy@globalquakemodel.org
First principal horizontal direction of the building plan. It is listed as Parallel to Street if the building has a façade parallel to the street, or is listed as Unspecified Direction if the building does not. If there is more than one façade parallel to a street, consider Direction X as parallel to the façade where the main entrance is located. See the Direction glossary term for an illustrative example.