One of the key components of any setting is the buildings within it.
Knowing how to describe buildings can transport your reader right into the world you’ve built.
Here’s how to describe buildings in writing:
Describe buildings in writing by utilizing architectural style, historical periods, materials used, and their cultural significance. Incorporate sensory details like soundscapes and emotional resonance. Highlight unique features, transformations, legends, and personal memories for depth.
In this article, you’ll learn all the ways to describe buildings in your writing.
Table of Contents
Different historical periods offer a plethora of architectural designs.
When you mention a building from the Renaissance era, the image of grandeur, classic designs, and meticulous details springs to mind.
Similarly, medieval structures might invoke images of castles and fortresses.
Some historical periods to consider are:
The building material not only imparts a physical texture to a structure but also offers a tactile feeling to your narrative.
When we describe a structure made of sandstone, readers may visualize its ruggedness and the warmth of its golden-brown hue.
On the other hand, glass skyscrapers evoke modernity and offer a reflection (both literal and metaphorical) of the urban world.
Examples of materials:
Height in buildings can be an implicit indication of many things, including the period in which it was built, its function, or the aspirations of its builders.
A towering skyscraper in a business district implies a beacon of commerce and ambition.
In contrast, a quaint, single-story cottage nestled in a village street whispers tales of simplicity and tradition.
The narrative contrast is stark between the dominance of a city’s tallest structure and the humble abode that clings to the ground, embodying a quiet, unassuming charm.
Both have stories to tell, and the tales are as different as the shadows they cast.
Every building, whether ancient or modern, stands as a silent witness to the passage of time.
When describing an old, moss-covered stone building, readers might imagine the countless seasons it has withstood, the generations it has seen, and the myriad stories embedded in its walls.
A newly constructed high-rise, with its shiny facade and contemporary design, hints at a world that’s rapidly evolving, racing towards the future.
It speaks of innovation, of fresh beginnings, and sometimes, of the relentless march of progress that leaves no room for the old.
A building’s function is its heartbeat. It dictates the rhythm of activities inside, the kind of people who frequent it, and the emotions it evokes.
A school, for instance, might resonate with the sounds of children’s laughter, the rustling of books, and the knowledge pursuits.
Examples of functions:
More than its physical attributes, the atmosphere of a building defines its soul.
It’s the difference between a church’s hallowed silence, which commands reverence, and the bustling, lively cacophony of a market square teeming with life.
While the exterior might give a hint, it’s the interior atmosphere of a building that truly draws a reader in.
The interior offers them a seat in its world, whether that’s the tranquility of a remote mountain monastery or the energetic vibe of a downtown jazz club.
More than its physical attributes, the atmosphere of a building defines its soul.
Buildings don’t exist in isolation.
They’re part of a larger tableau. Describing the surroundings sets the stage.
A lone manor at the edge of a dark forest might evoke mystery and intrigue, while the same manor overlooking a serene lake offers tranquility.
Context, in essence, is a silent storyteller.
It provides clues about the building’s purpose, its history, and its relationship with its environment.
The quaint bookshop squeezed between two modern cafes speaks of resilience amidst change.
Just as a historic monument amidst skyscrapers stands as a reminder of the city’s rich past.
Colors are a palette of emotions.
Describing a building’s color is akin to painting its mood.
The pastel hues of a coastal villa might convey a laid-back, beachy vibe.
Meanwhile, the monochrome shades of an urban structure suggest sobriety and functionality.
Whether it’s the radiant gold of a palace under the sun, the deep blue of a nighttime diner, or the rusty red of an old barn, colors breathe life into descriptions, making them vivid and evocative.
Size can be both a physical measure and a psychological one.
A sprawling mansion, with its many rooms and vast lawns, can indicate grandeur and opulence.
On the other hand, a small, compact house might not be grand, but it could brim with warmth and coziness.
It’s about the space, its utilization, and the feeling it imparts.
Does the vastness of a castle make one feel lost, or does it evoke a sense of awe? Does the confined space of an attic room feel claustrophobic, or does it exude intimacy?
Every architectural style brings with it a set of aesthetics, principles, and histories.
A Gothic cathedral, with its pointed arches and intricate detailing, is more than just a place of worship
It’s a testament to a particular period of architectural achievement.
Examples of architectural styles:
Every culture has its distinct architectural imprints.
Buildings influenced by a specific culture bring with them a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and artistic nuances.
For instance, a pagoda-style temple immediately brings forth Asian influences, whereas a hacienda-style house could transport readers to the heart of Mexico.
A mosque, with its minarets piercing the sky, intricately designed domes, and calligraphy-laden interiors, speaks of Islamic artistry.
A Mediterranean villa with stucco walls and red-tiled roofs tells tales of sun-kissed coasts and leisurely lifestyles.
The condition of a building can be a rich source of narrative information.
A dilapidated mansion covered in ivy, with broken windows and creaky doors, might hint at long-forgotten stories, neglect, or even hauntings.
In contrast, a well-maintained Victorian house, freshly painted with a manicured lawn, suggests pride, history cherished and sustained.
Structures in ruins, especially historic ones, often feel melancholic, reminding readers of the inexorable march of time.
Meanwhile, buildings under construction are beacons of progress, symbolizing hope, aspirations, and the future.
An ornate balcony with wrought-iron railings, statues adorning entrances, or stained glass windows can offer readers visual treats and clues about a building’s history and the aesthetic preferences of its inhabitants or architects.
Examples of decorative elements:
Light, both natural and artificial, plays a significant role in setting the mood.
A cathedral bathed in the soft hues of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows offers a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions.
Conversely, an alleyway dimly lit by a lone lamp post might evoke feelings of solitude or mystery.
The glow of lanterns in an old inn or the harsh neon lights of a modern nightclub can drastically alter the way a building is perceived, grounding readers in a specific time or mood.
Beyond the visual, what does a building sound like?
The echo of footsteps in a grand marble hall, the muffled sounds in a carpeted library, or the lively acoustics of a music hall can immerse readers deeper into the setting.
Acoustics can also serve as indicators.
Sound bouncing off the walls of an empty mansion might evoke feelings of loneliness or abandonment.
Buildings like opera houses or concert halls, specially designed for optimal acoustics, not only emphasize the significance of sound but also bear testimony to the architectural marvels dedicated to the art of sound.
How does one navigate or experience the building?
A labyrinthine palace with endless corridors and secret chambers can give a sense of mystery.
In contrast, an open-plan modern office emphasizes transparency and collaboration.
The ease or difficulty of navigating a space, the viewpoints offered by balconies or windows, and even the experience of ascending a grand staircase versus taking a modern elevator can offer readers insights into the building’s purpose and the era’s design principles.
Some buildings seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, while others stand out.
A cottage with walls covered in ivy, almost hidden by the woods around it, offers a different narrative than a steel-and-glass structure stark against a forest backdrop.
Consider a treehouse that becomes one with the canopy or a desert abode designed for optimal cooling.
Either way, the relationship between a building and its environment can be a rich descriptor, highlighting harmony or discord.
Certain structures stand out due to their innovative designs or features that are anachronistic for their time.
An ancient building with ahead-of-its-time water systems, or a futuristic house with solar integrations and smart tech in a traditional neighborhood, can be points of interest.
Such descriptions can surprise the reader, make them curious, or emphasize the uniqueness and significance of a structure.
Beyond their tangible attributes, some buildings hold symbolic meanings.
They might represent power (like a king’s palace), spirituality (like a temple or church), knowledge (like a grand library), or even decay and decline (like ruins).
The symbolic weight of a building can add depth to its description and make it more resonant in the narrative.
Lastly, how is the building perceived by the masses?
Is it a famous landmark, a tourist magnet with crowds always milling about?
Or perhaps it’s a notorious structure, shunned by locals due to dark tales or unfortunate histories.
The public’s perception of a building, whether a beloved local bakery or a haunted mansion, can influence its role in the story and shape the readers’ attitudes towards it.
Buildings can be embellished with diverse forms of ornamentation, from intricate carvings to frescoes.
This decor often reflects the cultural and historical contexts, as well as the individual tastes of its creators.
A building adorned with gargoyles and flying buttresses, for example, might point towards Gothic influences.
Examples:
The patron or owner of a building can provide essential insights into its style, purpose, and decor.
Palaces built by powerful rulers often reflect their ambitions, tastes, or the political needs of their time.
On the other hand, structures erected by philanthropists might emphasize utility and public welfare.
Examples:
Every era spawns architectural movements with distinct principles and aesthetics.
Describing a building by its movement aligns it with specific philosophies, materials, and designs.
The minimalist, functional approach of the Bauhaus contrasts with the ornate designs of the Rococo.
Examples:
Buildings can often depict the socio-economic status of their inhabitants or the region they’re located in.
Mansions, penthouses, and gated communities often exude opulence.
In comparison, slums, tenements, and worker cottages might highlight poverty or the working-class struggles.
Examples: The elegant townhouses of London’s Belgravia versus the narrow, crowded lanes of Dharavi in Mumbai.
Beyond sight, buildings can be described by how they appeal to other senses.
The scent of aged wood in a historic home, the touch of cool marble underfoot in a palace, or the distant sounds echoing through a vast cathedral can make descriptions more immersive.
Examples:
Some buildings are shrouded in myths, legends, or local tales.
A castle might be infamous for its ghostly residents, or a historic home might be revered as a hero’s birthplace.
Such tales add depth, intrigue, and cultural context.
Examples:
Buildings can be designed or modified to adapt to their climatic conditions.
A desert home might have thick walls to keep the interiors cool, while houses in tropical regions might feature wide verandas and high ceilings for ventilation.
Examples:
The juxtaposition of a building with its neighboring structures can offer rich contrasts or harmonies.
A medieval church beside a modern mall might highlight the city’s layered history or the interplay of the sacred and the commercial.
Examples:
Old structures might be repurposed for new functions, preserving their history while adapting to contemporary needs.
Warehouses transformed into lofts, churches turned into bookshops, or palaces renovated into hotels.
Transformations show the evolving narratives of buildings.
Examples:
How does a building make one feel?
Describing the emotional response it evokes can be more powerful than detailing its physical attributes.
A derelict asylum might exude eeriness, while a childhood home could evoke nostalgia.
Examples:
Many buildings carry the weight of significant historical events.
These events can cast a long shadow over the building’s atmosphere and its place in society.
For instance, a palace that was the site of a famous treaty signing or an assassination takes on the weight and significance of those events, shaping how one views and describes it.
The mere mention of such a building might evoke a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, filled with the drama and emotion of the past.
Examples:
The foundation of a building is its bedrock, dictating its stability, longevity, and sometimes even its aesthetic appeal.
It speaks volumes about the building’s resilience, design intentions, and the environment it’s in.
Different terrains require different types of foundations.
A building’s foundation can indicate whether it’s designed to withstand earthquakes, floods, or other environmental factors.
Examples:
Roofs provide shelter but also contribute to a building’s identity.
They often serve as an architectural highlight or adaptation to the climate of a region.
A roof can be symbolic of a region’s architectural history or a practical response to weather conditions. It can be decorative or functional, or both.
Examples:
How a building integrates or stands out from its surrounding landscape can be a focal point of description.
A mansion atop a hill overlooking a town tells a story of dominance or isolation, while a camouflaged cabin in the woods speaks of retreat and harmony with nature.
Examples:
Architecture often mirrors the socio-political climate of its time.
Structures built during totalitarian regimes might exude power and intimidation, while those from a renaissance period might reflect hope, curiosity, and the human spirit.
Describing buildings within this context can enhance the depth of a story, setting the stage for the characters’ challenges and triumphs.
Examples:
Some buildings are constructed based on specific architectural philosophies or principles.
Perhaps the Japanese philosophy of “Wabi-sabi” celebrating imperfection or the Modernist mantra “form follows function.”
These guiding principles can be a unique way to delve into the building’s essence.
Examples:
Many structures are steeped in spiritual or religious significance, making them more than just brick and mortar.
Temples, churches, mosques, and other religious edifices often come loaded with symbolic elements, rituals, and an aura of reverence.
Examples:
Architecture can be a mirror to the prevalent trends, technology, and societal values of its era.
A post-war building might carry elements of resilience and simplicity.
Structures from a prosperous era might, instead, exude opulence and flamboyance.
Examples:
Every building might have personal stories or anecdotes linked to it.
These tales, whether of love, tragedy, triumph, or everyday life, can turn a mundane structure into something special.
A house might be remembered for the family feuds it witnessed, or a bridge might be iconic for a legendary love story.
Examples:
Flooring can reflect the luxury, practicality, or cultural elements of a building.
It plays a significant role in interior aesthetics and user comfort.
The choice of flooring material, its texture, and design can say a lot about the purpose of a room and the building’s overall theme.
Examples:
The setting of a building, whether in a bustling urban environment or a serene rural backdrop, affects its architecture, materials used, and its overall ambiance.
Urban structures might prioritize vertical expansion and efficient space use.
Rural ones might spread outwards, integrating with nature.
Examples:
With the rising emphasis on sustainability, many buildings are now designed with their ecological footprint in mind.
Consider green roofs and walls to structures entirely powered by renewable energy.
There’s a growing trend towards eco-friendly architecture.
Examples:
A building’s underground space can reveal hidden functions, histories, or layers of utility that aren’t immediately visible on the surface.
Basements, cellars, underground bunkers, or parking spaces can add layers of mystery, function, or historical depth.
Examples:
How people interact with a building can be a powerful descriptor.
Are its halls always crowded?
Do children play in its courtyards? Is it a place of solitude or social interaction?
Such descriptions bring the building to life, emphasizing its role in the community.
Examples:
In the modern age, buildings can be described by the technology they incorporate.
Smart homes, buildings with integrated AI systems, or structures with advanced security systems reflect the advancements of the age.
Examples:
Some buildings are designed to be adaptable to different needs over time.
These structures might have movable walls, transformable spaces, or modular designs that can evolve with changing requirements.
Examples:
Though subtle, the distinctive smells associated with certain buildings can paint a vivid picture.
A library’s musty scent, the fresh aroma from a bakery, or the mix of incense in a temple can transport the reader to the location instantly.
Examples:
Security features can provide insights into the importance, vulnerability, or the treasures a building holds.
It can also reflect the socio-political environment of the locale.
A building heavily fortified indicates its importance or the potential threats it might face, whereas minimal security might indicate peace, openness, or a lack of valuable contents.
Examples:
Every region has its tales, its myths, and sometimes these stories are intrinsically tied to certain structures.
A haunted house, a castle rumored to have hidden treasures, or an inn with tales of historical figures stopping by can add a layer of mystique and depth to the description.
Examples:
The way a building interacts with different seasons can be enchanting.
How it stands resilient during winter storms, becomes enlivened by spring blossoms, offers shade in summer, or is framed by autumn leaves can bring a dynamic quality to descriptions.
Examples:
While buildings are inherently static, the environment around them isn’t.
Describe how shadows move across a structure during the day, how it appears through the mist, or how its reflection dances on water.
These details can capture a building’s dynamic interplay with the environment.
Examples:
A building’s proportions, symmetry, or lack thereof, and its geometrical design elements can serve as potent descriptors.
They can convey balance, chaos, grandeur, or coziness, depending on the design.
Examples:
Every building might have its hidden nooks, secret passages, or lesser-known elements.
Describing these can add an element of intrigue and adventure to the narrative.
Examples:
The time of day can drastically change how a building is perceived.
Dawn might cast a soft golden glow, midday could highlight the structure’s magnificence under bright light.
Dusk might lend a serene hue, while nighttime could unveil a structure illuminated in artificial lights.
Examples:
Parking can offer a unique perspective on the accessibility, modernity, and practical aspects of a building.
A skyscraper might have a multi-level underground parking facility, while a countryside inn might just have a gravel lot.
The type and style of parking can shed light on the type of people frequenting the building and its location.
Parking is a functional aspect that often gets overlooked.
Yet, it can provide insights into the modern infrastructure and the building’s capacity to accommodate visitors.
Examples:
Sometimes, what a building lacks can be as telling as what it includes.
The absence of certain features can highlight its history, purpose, or the socio-economic conditions of its residents.
Absence can be telling. A building missing windows might suggest a need for defense or privacy in historical times.
Lack of modern amenities might indicate either a commitment to maintaining historical authenticity or a lack of resources.
Examples:
Buildings can be described in a style reminiscent of different literary genres.
A haunted house might be described in a gothic or horror style, a futuristic building in a sci-fi manner, or an old mansion in a romantic or historic style.
Literary genres come with their own set of conventions, moods, and themes.
Utilizing these can offer a distinctive lens through which to view and describe a building, thereby setting a tone that aligns with the narrative’s intent.
Examples:
Here is a list of words to describe buildings in your stories, reports, product profiles, and more:
Next, let’s look at some of the best “starter” phrases to use when you need to describe buildings in writing.
Check out this video about how to describe buildings in writing:
YouTube Video by Interactive English – Describe Buildings in WritingI don’t know about you but I love to see full examples – especially when it comes to writing tips and techniques.
Therefore, here are three examples for how to describe buildings in writing.
Nestled on the outskirts of the town, the Old Manor House stands as a silent sentinel of the past.
Its weathered stone walls and time-worn wooden beams whisper tales of bygone eras. The structure, with its vast corridors and winding staircases, holds an enigmatic charm. Ivy covers much of its facade, lending it a verdant embrace.
The large, towering oak trees around it act as guardians, their branches swaying gently with the wind.
Here, every creak of the floorboard and rustle of the leaves seems to echo with stories waiting to be discovered.
Rising above the bustling city is the Pinnacle Tower, a beacon of modernity.
Its sleek, reflective glass surface mirrors the ever-changing skyline. As the sun sets, the tower transforms into a luminous gem, its lights dancing amidst the city’s constellation. Designed with innovative architecture, it stands not just as a workplace but a testament to human achievement and the possibilities of the future.
Its top floor offers a panoramic view, making the chaotic streets below seem like a rhythmic, orchestrated play.
Tucked away in a quiet lane, the Lilac Cottage is the epitome of quaint charm.
With its cobblestoned pathway leading to a blue wooden door, and windows framed by blooming flower boxes, the cottage seems straight out of a storybook. The white picket fence and the small garden, bursting with colors, add to its picturesque beauty.
Inside, the intimate space, with its wooden furniture and lace curtains, radiates warmth and comfort.
The scent of freshly baked bread wafts from the kitchen, promising a sanctuary of homely delights.
Each building has stories etched into its walls, stories of the hands that built it, the eras it survived, and the people who occupied it.
By employing diverse descriptive techniques, writers can unearth and convey these tales, making structures more than just static edifices.
We have lots of other articles about how to describe people, places, and things in writing.
Check out a few of the others before you go :).
Related Posts:
Hello, I’m Christopher Kokoski, the creator of this site. Read more
Legal Information
As a reader-supported site, we sometimes earn commissions when referring to stores.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
