What is the base of a building known as?

The base of a building is referred to as the foundation. This critical component serves to support the entire structure and ensure its stability by distributing the weight of the building to the ground. Foundations are typically constructed from concrete, masonry, or other durable materials that can withstand structural loads and environmental factors.

In understanding the other terms, a base plate generally refers to a flat piece of metal or concrete used to support columns or equipment but does not encompass the entire purpose of a building's base. Footings are specific structural elements that may be part of the foundation system, designed to transfer loads from the structure to the ground but do not themselves represent the entire base. The subfloor, meanwhile, refers to the structural layer that is placed on top of the foundation and serves as a base for the finished flooring, not the base of the building itself.