Geotope
The term geotope, is borrowed from the German word and refers to a geological feature which specifically relates to rocks and soil of the uppermost part of the lithosphere. It differs from general land formations of the lithosphere in an area, which are referred to as physiotopes. Both geotopes and a physiotopes are non-living, that is they are chemical and physical parts of the environment, abiotic components or factors that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.
Geotopes are geological formations of an inanimate nature that impart knowledge about the evolution of the earth or of life. They include individual creations of nature and natural landscape elements as well as outcrops of rocks, soil, minerals and fossils. Geology or geoscience, sometimes called Earth science is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources, this science includes the study of geotopes.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Archaeology.
- Conservation areas.
- Designated land.
- Designated areas.
- Earth heritage.
- Geological periods.
- Geology.
- Lithosphere.
- National parks.
- Physiotope.
- Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).
- Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- Special areas of conservation.
- Special protection areas.
- Types of rock.
- Types of soil.
- Types of land.
- World heritage site.
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.