What is the measure of how bulky a building appears?

The measure of how bulky a building appears is best described by the concept of building mass. Building mass refers to the physical volume and the visual impact a structure has, which relates directly to its perceived bulkiness. It encompasses aspects like the overall size, shape, and solidness of the building, influencing how it interacts with its surrounding environment.

In architectural terms, mass is often considered in the context of how a building occupies space and how its proportions affect the visual aesthetics. A building with significant mass may appear imposing or heavy, while a structure with less mass may seem lighter and more delicate. This perception is crucial for architects and planners when designing buildings that need to fit harmoniously within their contexts or to create specific visual effects.

Other choices, while relevant in discussing building characteristics, do not capture the aspect of bulkiness as accurately. Building volume refers to the three-dimensional space a building occupies, which is more quantitative rather than qualitative in terms of appearance. Building form pertains to the overall shape and design of the building, which can contribute to its mass but does not directly describe its bulkiness. Building height specifically measures how tall a structure is, which does not inherently relate to how bulkily it appears.