Final answer:
The principal story of a large building with formal reception areas one flight above the ground floor is called the piano nobile, which exhibits wealth and status. Famous examples include the many lavish rooms in the Palace of Versailles, like the Galerie des Glaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principal story of a large building, such as a palace or villa, that contains formal reception and dining rooms usually one flight above the ground floor is often referred to as the piano nobile or the noble floor. This level contained the principal reception and entertaining rooms and was designed to impress guests with the wealth and status of the building's owners. For instance, in French Architecture from the Baroque Period, specifically the Palace of Versailles, we see an exemplification of this with the inclusion of 700 rooms and extensive gardens featuring opulent decoration. The Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) is particularly noteworthy, with its 17 mirrors facing the windows overlooking the gardens, and a ceiling painted with images celebrating the reign of Louis XIV. The piano nobile showcases the power dynamics within structures, like the palaces, villas, or even the typical Roman household with atrium and tablinum, alludes to the grandeur and emphasis placed on public reception in historical architectures.