Definition
The area of ground that a building occupies, measured at its foundation level. Like a carbon footprint, but for structures and without the environmental guilt.
Example Usage
The house had a 2,000 square foot footprint, but with two stories the total living space was 4,000 square feet.
Origin
Architectural term borrowed from the literal impression a foot makes, applied to building ground coverage
Fun Fact
Some zoning regulations limit building footprint to preserve green space, which is why tall, narrow townhouses exist.
Source: Architecture and real estate development terminology
Related Terms
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See “footprint” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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