What type of walls are typically used for aesthetic purposes in building design?

Veneer walls are commonly employed for aesthetic purposes in building design, as they consist of a thin layer of a more visually appealing material, such as brick or stone, that is applied to a structural wall. This method allows architects and designers to enhance the visual appeal of a building without the full structural weight or cost associated with solid materials. The primary function of veneer walls is to provide an attractive facade while the underlying structure remains intact and serves its necessary structural roles.

This choice stands out particularly because veneer walls are not essential for structural support; instead, they significantly contribute to the overall appearance of a building, allowing for creative design flexibility. This is in contrast to load-bearing walls, which are integral to the structure's stability, and curtain walls, which, while they can be aesthetically pleasing, typically serve to create an exterior enclosure and are not always tied directly to the structure. Partition walls serve more functional purposes, primarily dividing spaces within a building rather than enhancing its external aesthetic.