Historically, what has been a primary use of brick in construction?

The primary use of brick in construction has historically been as a structural component of walls. Bricks are known for their strength, durability, and ability to bear heavy loads, making them an ideal choice for constructing walls that provide support to buildings. This use of brick dates back thousands of years, as it was a favored material in ancient civilizations for building homes, fortifications, and other structures due to its availability and superior performance in load-bearing applications.

While bricks can certainly serve decorative purposes, be involved in insulation processes, or be utilized in roofing, these roles are secondary compared to their fundamental function in providing structural integrity. The versatility of brick allows it to also be aesthetically pleasing in facades and architectural details, but the core historical application has always been centered on its role as a foundational element in the framework of buildings. Therefore, the focus on bricks as a structural component underscores their significance in the history and evolution of construction practices.