An analogy that came to mind is how living organisms evolve and adapt to the environment they are born in. In a similar manner buildings also have to adapt to fill the needs of the environment. For example the skin of an animal may have scales in the desert to protect them from the sun or it may have a lot of fur to keep warm in the winter. Similarly, a building may be built with concrete and exterior finishes that are versatile in both the summer and winter to combat the elements. The skin of a building protects it from the environment and beneath its skin there is also insulation, fire proofing, and other various systems in place to help keep it safe.