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Reference.org
Façade
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<p>A façade or facade is generally the front part or exterior of a <a href="/facts/Building/edSjKXje">building</a>. It is a <a href="/facts/Loanword/PWGYczgY">loanword</a> from the <a href="/facts/French_language/qe1DnaQh">French</a> <i>façade</i> (pronounced [fasad]), which means "<a href="/facts/Frontage/Tag4bkab">frontage</a>" or "<a href="/facts/Face/FP7scsQP">face</a>". </p><p>In <a href="/facts/Architecture/FccThs8G">architecture</a>, the façade of a building is often the most important aspect from a design standpoint, as it sets the tone for the rest of the building. From the engineering perspective, the façade is also of great importance due to its impact on <a href="/facts/Efficient_energy_use/8K8vBAVk">energy efficiency</a>. For historical façades, many local <a href="/facts/Zoning/wox1dwXR">zoning</a> regulations or other laws greatly restrict or even forbid their alteration. </p>