The Built Environment

Definition The Built Environment is the man-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity. These activities range from: Domestic construction Commercial and Civic construction Utilities Landscaped areas Communication Infrastructure and any other man-made structure which has affected the environment.

Domestic construction Domestic construction comprises of all types of buildings that people live in, this could be a simple one room cottage, through one and two storey dwellings to multi- storey structures. New domestic construction designed using high levels of insulation.

Domestic construction Multi storey domestic construction Traditional three storey house in Belfast

Commercial and Civic construction The Ulster bank head office in Belfast is a large commercial property converted from a disused Church building. Some buildings are extremely famous such as the Taj Mahal in India. It’s construction started in 1931 and took 22 years to complete. As many as 28 different varieties of semi-precious and precious stones were used to adorn the Taj with exquisite inlay work.

Utilities Utility services make an important contribution to the Built Environment. The following are some of the most common services: Electricity Gas Water Communications

Landscaped areas which have been altered by man The following are examples of some of the types of area which may be landscaped: Parks and play areas Gardens Glenarm Castle Walled Garden

Landscaped areas which have been altered by man The following are examples of some of the types of area which may be landscaped: Sport areas such a football pitches Paved areas such a streets Street scape Prague Stamford Bridge, London

Communication Infrastructure Communication Infrastructure includes: The road network The railway network Water supper Network Air traffic