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Buildings are as individual and "wondrous" as people. When learning to "read" buildings, students often respond to comparing buildings to people. Though some clearly belong to a particular group or family (style), the specific features (elements) vary.
Buildings of a particular style or "family" may have many similarities though some differences. You may even find twins or triplets or a whole street of similar subjects. Buildings, like people, have different colors, shapes, textures, and arrangements of features (windows, doors, columns, foundations, decoration, etc.). Each has a different history, reason for being, and purpose. Some come from very affluent circumstance, others come from economically deprived backgrounds. Some are the products of education, others the school of common sense. Buildings age, have face lifts, and change with the times--sometimes showing current fads. They change throughout their lives. Like people, some are created healthy, some sick from birth, some productive and vital, some are neglected, some are given a new lease on life after hard times.
Buildings can be dignified, frivolous, beautiful, proportional or not, functional, practical, breathtaking, awesome, unsightly, welcoming, unfriendly, energetic, uplifting, apathetic, and truly ordinary. Some may need special care because they still have a lot of life in them, even if they need major surgery. Buildings die from old age, disease, neglect, misuse, accidents, weather-related circumstances, and "archicide." Differences in buildings, or in people, add to their fascination. You get the idea and so will your students.
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