From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
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For other uses, see facade (disambiguation).
West facade of the
Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral
A facade (or façade) (IPA: [fəˈsɑd]) is generally one side of the exterior of a building, especially the front, but also sometimes the sides and rear. The word comes from the French language, literally meaning "frontage" or "face".
In architecture, the facade of a building is often the most important from a design standpoint, as it sets the tone for the rest of the building. Many facades are historic, and local zoning regulations or other laws greatly restrict or even forbid their alteration.
The facade at
Bletchley Park is a curious mix of different architectural styles.
On a movie set, many of the buildings are only facades, which are far cheaper than actual buildings, and not subject to building codes. These are simply held up with supports from behind, and sometimes have boxes for actors and actresses to step in and out of from the front if necessary for a scene.
[edit] See also
- Facadism
- Potemkin village
