From pyramids to skyscrapers

Warming up

1. Work with a partner. Which of these people have you heard of? Why are they famous?

2. Read their quotations. Which do you agree with?

Louis Sullivan (1856 – 1924)   1. “What is the chief characteristic of the tall office building? It is lofty. It must be tall. The force and power of altitude must be in it, the glory and pride of exaltation must be in it. It must be every inch a proud and soaring thing, rising in sheer exaltation that from bottom to top it is a unit without a single dissenting line.”

Frank Lloyd Wright (1867 – 1959)   2. “The architect must be a prophet... a prophet in the true sense of the term... if he can't see at least ten years ahead don't call him an architect.”

Cass Gilbert (1859 – 1934)   3. “To become an Architect in the right sense of the word means that a man shall give his life to it and nothing else, and shall study the work he has to do with enthusiastic interest in every detail pertaining to it, and content himself with nothing less than complete success.”

3. Do you know any modern architects and constructors? What can you tell about them? Discuss with your partner, then the group.

Reading task A

Work in groups and answer the questions.

SKYSCRAPER QUIZ 1. What was the tallest building built in the 26th century BC?   a. the Lincoln Cathedral b. the Great Pyramid of Giza c. the Washington Monument d. the Great Pyramid of Khufu   2. Which 16th-century city entirely consisted of high-rise houses?   a. Fustat b. Chicago c. Edinburgh d. Shibam   3. Which building is considered to be the first skyscraper in the world?   a. the Grand Midland Hotel b. Home Insurance Building c. Wainwright Building d. the Empire State Building   4. Which cities known as the "the big three" are recognized as having the most compelling skylines in the world?   a. Chicago, Hong Kong, New York b. London, Manhattan, New York c. Chicago, New York, Dubai d. New York, Dallas, Dubai  

Read the text and check your answers

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