At the most fundamental level, the purpose of a building is to provide shelter for activities that could not be carried out as effectively, or carried out at all, in the natural environment. Buildings are designed and constructed to (1) protect people and equipment from elements such as wind, rain, snow, and heat; (2) pro- vide interior space whose configuration, furnishings, and environment (temperature, humidity, noise, light, air quality, materials) are suited to the activities that take place within; and (3) provide the infrastructure— water, electricity, waste disposal systems, fire suppres- sion—necessary to carry out activities in a safe envi- ronment
