A building's basement story is sometimes viewed as a podium. A molded foundation and plinth at the bottom; a central surface known as a die, or dado; and a projecting cornice, or cap are typical features of the podium. The word "basement" comes from Latin bāsis, meaning "ground floor." Basements were originally all-purpose rooms below the first floor that provided storage for food and supplies. Modern basements are usually subdivided into multiple areas including storage, laundry, and utility rooms.
In architecture, a basement is the lower level of a building situated under a house or building in which case it is called domestic basement, or under a church or other religious structure where it is called cryptologic or sacred basement. The term also refers to an underground level or area used for various purposes such as storage or manufacturing facilities. These levels are often built beneath residential neighborhoods or commercial districts to prevent erosion and flooding. Basements can be either partially or completely exposed above ground level. In many parts of the world, particularly in climates with significant precipitation, complete exposure of a basement would cause severe damage due to water penetration and accumulation within the flooring and structural members. Basements are therefore most commonly found with some form of weather protection (such as a roof), although they may also have internal walls to provide additional protection against wind and rain.
Podium structure, also known as pedestal or platform construction, is a style of architecture distinguished by horizontal divides between an upper tower and a lower "podium." The podium is often composed of steel or concrete, and it is topped by many wood-framed storeys. The term "podium building" may also be used to describe any building with such a design.
The word "podium" comes from the Greek word for footstool or platform. In architecture, it refers to a level surface built into or attached to a building for something more important than just standing alone. The word is used especially in reference to government buildings and monuments where it is desired to make a significant impact with what can be done quickly and at a low cost. Podiums are often used as entrances into museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions. They are also common in airports, train stations, and other large public venues where they provide space for information desks, security screening, etc.
There are several types of podium designs. One type uses the podium as its main point of interest - for example, a corporate headquarters featuring a spectacularly lit atrium inside the podium building. The second type uses the podium as a supporting element for another structure - for example, a bank building with its podium serving as the entrance lobby. The third type uses the podium as a functional component for its context - for example, a museum with its podium providing viewing galleries or conference rooms.
Podium construction, also known as pedestal or platform building, often consists of numerous stories of light wood frame on a single- or multi-story podium of another construction type, which may incorporate retail and above- or below-grade parking levels. The podium provides a stable base for the speaker's stand while allowing for easy transportation of equipment.
The first modern-style podium was built by Thomas Edison for his 1896 phonograph exhibition in New York City. It used wood and steel framing with carpeting as insulation between the floor and the speakers' boxes. This became known as the "Edison" system after him. Other early pioneers of the technology included Victor Records, who used metal framing and wooden boards for their piers, and Columbia Records, who employed a mix of metal and wood framing techniques. By the 1930s, most large cities had at least one company producing public address systems. Today, many stadiums and other large venues feature speaker systems mounted on podiums.
The word "podium" comes from the Latin word meaning "footstool." In architecture, a podium is a flat stage or platform supported by columns or walls, usually located at the front of a building or structure. The term is especially common in architecture for stages where speakers are heard by an audience.
There are several types of podiums: fixed and adjustable.
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