a fabric erected by art, either for devotion, magnificence, or conveniency.

Building is also used for the art of constructing and raising an edifice; in which sense it comprehends as well the expenses as the invention and execution of the design. See Architecture.

The modern buildings are much more commodious, as well as beautiful, than those of former times. Of old they used to dwell in houses, most of them with a blind stair-case, low ceilings, and dark windows; the rooms built at random, without any thing of contrivance, and often with steps from one to another; so that one would think the people of former ages were afraid of light and fresh air; whereas the genius of our times is altogether for light stair-cases, fine sash-windows, and lofty ceilings. And such has been our builders industry in point of compactness and uniformity, that a house after the new way will afford, on the same quantity of ground, almost double the conveniences which could be had from an old one.

By act 11 Geo. I. and 4 Geo. III. for the regulation of building within the weekly bills of mortality, and in other places therein specified, party walls are required to be erected of brick or stone, which shall be two bricks and a half thick in the cellar, two bricks thick upwards to the garret floor, &c. and other limitations are enacted respecting the disposition of the timbers, &c. And every building is to be surveyed; and the person who offends against the statute in any of the particulars recited, is liable to a forfeit of 250l. to be levied by warrant of justices of the peace. The other principal statutes relating to building are 19 Car. II. c. 3. 22 Car. II. c. 11. 5 Eliz. c. 4. 35 Eliz. c. 6. 6 Ann. c. 31. 7 Ann. c. 17. 33 Geo. II. c. 30. and 6 Geo. III. c. 37.