Buildings combine structure, materials, climate responses, and human needs. Looking at function helps you notice more than decoration. A feature may serve several purposes, and its original purpose may differ from its use today. Observe entrances, windows, shaded areas, circulation paths, and the relationship to surrounding streets. Ask how people enter, move, gather, and leave. Distinguish visible features from assumptions about hidden construction. Avoid identifying a structural element confidently without enough evidence. A courtyard may provide light, ventilation, or shared space, depending on the design and setting. A deep overhang can provide shade, but its effect changes with orientation and sun angle. Buildings also reflect cultural and historical choices that require sources to interpret accurately. Practice: Sketch a familiar public building from a safe location. Label three visible features and propose their functions, clearly marking any explanation that remains uncertain.