oq-gem

Glossary for gem taxonomy

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


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U- or C-shape [PLFU]

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The footprint of the building when viewed in plan resembles the shape of the letter U.

Note that this also includes “C” shaped buildings (which look like a “U” when viewed from another direction).

PLFU_Canada_Ottawa_Googleearth_1

Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa, Canada has a U-shaped plan (Map data ©2013 Google, DigitalGlobe)

PLFU_Canada_Toronto_Googleearth_1

City Hall in Toronto, Canada has two half-circle office towers, curving around a circular council chamber; the towers can be classified as U-shaped building plans (Map data ©2013 Google, DigitalGlobe)

PLFU_Japan_Scawthorn_1

A building with U-shaped plan (left photo: C. Scawthorn, right: Map data ©2013 Google, ZENRIN)