superstructure
The term "superstructure" refers to the parts of a building or structure that are above its foundation. This includes elements like walls, roofs, and floors, which provide support and shape to the overall design. In architecture, the superstructure is crucial for ensuring stability and functionality.
In a broader context, "superstructure" can also describe the social, political, and economic systems that arise from a society's underlying base, often referred to as the infrastructure. This concept is commonly discussed in Marxist theory, where the superstructure is influenced by the economic base and shapes cultural and ideological aspects of society.