noun
superstructure; upper stories
Refers to the part of a building above the foundation or ground floor; also used in Marxist theory for the cultural/institutional superstructure built on an economic base.
この建物の上層建築は鉄骨でできている。
The superstructure of this building is made of steel.
マルクス主義では、上層建築は経済的土台の上に立つ。
In Marxism, the superstructure stands on the economic base.
Compound of 上層 (upper layer) and 建築 (architecture, construction).