Complex vs. Building: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
A complex is a group of buildings with a common purpose, while a building is a single constructed structure.
Key Differences
The terms Complex and Building refer to man-made structures but in varying scopes. A complex denotes a cluster of buildings that are located together, typically serving a shared purpose or function. It could be a residential complex, a commercial complex, or an industrial complex, emphasizing a collective and multifunctional aspect. A building, however, refers to a single structure constructed for residential, commercial, industrial, or other purposes, and it stands as an independent entity, possibly part of a complex.
Examining a complex, one would observe multiple buildings, structures, or units gathered in one location, sharing common elements or purposes. This could include a series of structures united by design, function, or ownership, offering diversity within unity. On the contrary, when examining a building, the focus is on an individual structure, its design, purpose, and construction, without necessarily considering its relation to other structures, highlighting its singular and independent existence.
The concept of a complex suggests a greater level of organization, coordination, and planning, reflecting the integration of various elements or structures for a cohesive purpose. It may involve intricate designs and detailed planning to ensure that the individual buildings within it serve the intended functions efficiently. A building does not demand such intricate coordination with other structures; its design and construction are mainly centered around its individual purpose, although it can be meticulously planned and designed.
In real estate and architecture, a complex might be referred to when discussing multiple buildings located together, maybe for a specific community or a shared commercial interest. This emphasizes communal or shared elements and can be seen in apartment complexes or business complexes. A building, however, is usually discussed in singular terms, emphasizing its standalone structure, be it a house, an office building, or a skyscraper, highlighting individuality and specificity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A group of buildings with a common purpose.
A single constructed structure.
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Scale
Larger, includes multiple buildings or structures
Singular, one structure.
Functionality
Multifunctional, serves varied purposes.
Specific to its intended use.
Planning
Requires coordinated and integrated planning.
Focused on individual design.
Relationship
Represents a collective relationship of units.
Stands as an independent entity.
Complex and Building Definitions
Complex
A group of related buildings within a defined area.
The apartment complex houses over a hundred families.
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Building
The act or process of constructing.
Building a house requires significant investment.
Complex
A psychological condition in which related mental factors are collectively considered.
He has an inferiority complex.
Building
Creating something by assembling various parts.
Building a strong team is crucial for success.
Complex
An area housing a particular function or group.
The sports complex includes multiple playing fields.
Building
A standalone structure with a roof and walls.
The office building is located downtown.
Complex
Consisting of interconnected or interwoven parts; composite
Complex equipment with multiple components.
Building
A constructed edifice designed to stand more or less permanently.
The building has twenty floors.
Complex
Composed of two or more units
A complex carbohydrate.
Building
A place enclosed within walls and roof.
The fire damaged the entire building.
Complex
Difficult to understand for being intricate or involved; complicated
A complex problem.
Building
Something that is built, as for human habitation; a structure.
Complex
Consisting of at least one bound form. Used of a word.
Building
The act, process, art, or occupation of constructing.
Complex
Consisting of an independent clause and at least one other independent or dependent clause. Used of a sentence.
Building
(uncountable) The act or process by which something is built; construction.
The building of the bridge will be completed in a couple of weeks.
Complex
A whole composed of interconnected or interwoven parts
A complex of cities and suburbs.
The military-industrial complex.
Building
(countable) A closed structure with walls and a roof.
My sister lives in that apartment building.
Complex
A building or group of buildings used for a single purpose
A sports complex.
Building
Present participle of build
Complex
In psychoanalysis, a group of related, often repressed ideas and impulses that compel characteristic or habitual patterns of thought, feelings, and behavior.
Building
The act of constructing, erecting, or establishing.
Hence it is that the building of our Sion rises no faster.
Complex
An exaggerated or obsessive concern or fear
Has a complex about his weight.
Building
The art of constructing edifices, or the practice of civil architecture.
The execution of works of architecture necessarily includes building; but building is frequently employed when the result is not architectural.
Complex
(Medicine) The combination of factors, symptoms, or signs of a disease or disorder that forms a syndrome.
Building
That which is built; a fabric or edifice constructed, as a house, a church, etc.
Thy sumptuous buildings and thy wife's attireHave cost a mass of public treasury.
Complex
Made up of multiple parts; composite; not simple.
A complex being; a complex idea
Building
A structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place;
There was a three-story building on the corner
It was an imposing edifice
Complex
Not simple, easy, or straightforward; complicated.
Building
The act of constructing or building something;
During the construction we had to take a detour
His hobby was the building of boats
Complex
Having the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers and i is (by definition) the imaginary square root of −1.
Complex number
Function of a complex variable
Building
The commercial activity involved in constructing buildings;
Their main business is home construction
Workers in the building trades
Complex
Whose range is a subset of the complex numbers.
Complex function
Building
The occupants of a building;
The entire building complained about the noise
Complex
Whose coefficients are complex numbers; defined over the field of complex numbers.
Complex polynomial
Complex algebraic variety
Complex
(geometry) A curve, polygon or other figure that crosses or intersects itself.
Complex
A problem. en
Complex
A network of interconnected systems.
Military-industrial complex
Complex
A collection of buildings with a common purpose, such as a university or military base.
Complex
An assemblage of related things; a collection.
Complex
An organized cluster of thunderstorms.
Complex
A cluster of wildfires burning in the same vicinity.
The fire complex began as two separate fires.
Complex
(taxonomy) A group of closely related species, often distinguished only with difficulty by traditional morphological methods.
Complex
(psychoanalysis) An abnormal mental condition caused by repressed emotions.
Complex
A vehement, often excessive psychological dislike or fear of a particular thing.
Jim has a real complex about working for a woman boss.
Complex
(chemistry) A structure consisting of a central atom or molecule weakly connected to surrounding atoms or molecules, as for example coordination complexes in inorganic chemistry and protein complexes in biochemistry.
Complex
(math) A complex number.
Complex
(linguistics) A multimorphemic word, one with several parts, one with affixes.
Complex
To form a complex with another substance
Complex
(transitive) To complicate.
Complex
Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as, a complex being; a complex idea.
Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude, a man, an army, the universe.
Complex
Involving many parts; complicated; intricate.
When the actual motions of the heavens are calculated in the best possible way, the process is difficult and complex.
Complex
Assemblage of related things; collection; complication.
This parable of the wedding supper comprehends in it the whole complex of all the blessings and privileges exhibited by the gospel.
Complex
A conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts;
The complex of shopping malls, houses, and roads created a new town
Complex
A compound described in terms of the central atom to which other atoms are bound or coordinated
Complex
(psychoanalysis) a combination of emotions and impulses that have been rejected from awareness but still influence a person's behavior
Complex
A whole structure (as a building) made up of interconnected or related structures
Complex
Complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts;
A complex set of variations based on a simple folk melody
A complex mass of diverse laws and customs
Complex
A system of interconnected elements or components.
The human brain is an incredibly complex organ.
Complex
Composed of many interconnected or intricate parts.
The complex machinery requires careful handling.
FAQs
Can any standalone structure be called a building?
Yes, any standalone structure with walls and a roof can typically be referred to as a building.
Can a complex contain only one building?
Typically, a complex refers to multiple buildings, but it could theoretically refer to a single structure with multiple, diverse functions.
Does the term "complex" always refer to buildings?
No, "complex" can also refer to a system of interconnected elements or a psychological condition.
Are complexes always large?
While complexes are often large due to housing multiple structures, they can vary in size.
Can a complex serve multiple purposes?
Yes, a complex can serve multiple purposes, housing different functions within its various structures.
Can a complex be solely residential?
Yes, complexes can be residential, housing multiple dwellings within.
Is every building part of a complex?
No, many buildings stand alone and are not part of any complex.
Is the construction process of a building simpler than a complex?
Generally, yes. Constructing a building is usually less intricate compared to planning and constructing a complex.
Does a complex require more maintenance than a building?
Typically, yes. A complex usually requires more extensive maintenance due to its multiple structures and functions.
Is the concept of a complex older than that of a building?
No, the concept of a building is likely older, as complexes are collections of buildings.
Can a building exist within a complex?
Yes, complexes typically consist of multiple buildings.
Are all buildings constructed for permanent use?
While buildings are generally constructed for permanence, some are designed for temporary use.
Can a building have multiple functions?
Yes, a building can have multiple functions, with different sections serving different purposes.
Are residential buildings always part of residential complexes?
No, residential buildings can exist independently or as part of residential complexes.
Can a building change its function over time?
Yes, buildings can be repurposed and adapt to new functions over time.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
