Some scholars might argue that the pavement and grass is not part of the building and therefore not an element of this paradigm. On the other hand, the status of the grass -- is it well-watered and neatly trimmed? -- and the state of repair of the asphalt and concrete convey information about the establishment.

As with the appearance of the building, the appearance of the pavement and grass acts indexically to inform the reader of the quality of the business establishment.