Girderless

/ˈɡɜːrdərləs/ adjective

Definition

Without girders or support beams; built or constructed without the use of large metal or structural support elements.

Etymology

From 'girder' (iron support beam) combined with the suffix '-less' (Old English -leas, meaning without), creating a straightforward negation.

Kelly Says

The term 'girderless' is interesting because modern architecture sometimes celebrates going back to simpler designs—cantilever and tension structures that minimize visible support beams represent the evolution beyond 'girdered' buildings.

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