Prime Time 7, Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks

3) Opal Court, Leicester Student Accommodation for Leicester University Architect: Stephen George & Partners Building student housing has become a huge business, not for the universities themselves – once patrons of the best modern British architecture – but outsourced to developers. I can think of few visions more depressing for a fresher than clapping your eyes on this shelving system for human beings as you weep your goodbyes to mum and dad. …  5  . Bright colours, sparingly applied, disguise its resemblance to a gulag. A When it isn’t floodlit and glowing like a spaceship, it’s a dun-coloured, dreary skyscraper. 0 F  B It actually functions well as a football stadium – plenty of space, food not the utter pits. 1 C It’s another vast bulky box with no concessions to humans. 2 D An easy target, for sure. 3 E It’s the kind of building that looks as if it’s permanently checking itself in the mirror. 4 F The announcement of the Stirling Prize shortlist is normally a time for backslapping. 5 G Richard Rogers agreed that there should be more exciting buildings in this country. H Couldn’t the marriage have produced a more inspirational offspring than a middle-aged office block with a pitch attached? b) Sum up the author’s feelings about the state of British architecture. c) Do you agree with his assessment of the three buildings mentioned? d) With a partner, choose one of the buildings and discuss its design in terms of: • function • form e) Make suggestions for improvements. Writing: The ugliest buildings in my hometown The newspaper The Times has recently asked its readers to describe the ugliest building they know. Two letters particularly stir your interest and you decide to join the debate by writing an e-mail to the editor of the newspaper. In your e-mail to the editor you should: • comment on the two letters • describe an ugly building from your neighbourhood • discuss the value of modern architecture Write around 250 words . ✔ 3  As a very recent graduate of the University of Leicester, I couldn’t help but frown at your mention of Opal Court. I never lived at these halls of resi- dence but I heard very many positive reviews of the building, including the excitement of those who first clapped eyes on it, contrary to your rather glib interpretation. Roger, Yamagata, Japan I’d just like to vote the New Wembley Stadium as the ugliest of them all. Sure, the old stadium was hopelessly out-dated in many ways, but it still had character, setting and intimate atmosphere. It always felt like visiting an old friend. I’m afraid the New Stadium offers nothing at all apart from its pretty arch. OK, the seats are good and the facilities are OK, but there is no atmosphere at all. My son felt it was like an airport terminal. Patrick Coffey, Heathfield, England 117 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eige tum des Verlags öbv