Look through the text about the 52-storied skyscraper and try to list all the innovations of this building project. Be ready to discuss their advantages with your partner

Conversational Practice

1. Remember some of the words and expressions to read the
dialogue:

to argue – спорить;

an arguing question – спорный вопрос;

an undergraduate – магистрант;

sustainability – устойчивое развитие.

2. Read the dialogue “Ecological problems in building industry”:

A. I’d like to know if the information given in the text “The Grey Lady” on Horizon” is new for you?

B. I think, yes. I haven’t heard about this project and frankly speaking I know little about modern technologies in building industry.

A. So do I. But I think that it is necessary for engineering students know more about it.

B. Of course I can agree with you on this point.. But I think that human society can damage environment by developing modern technologies in all spheres of our life.

A. Right you are. I also worry about it. But as far as I know the main construction credo of eco-architects is sustainability.

B. Really? Could you explain me how sustainability is connected to ecological problems?

A. Yes, sure. Sustainable development in building industry means designing energy efficient and socially responsible buildings.

B. It is an arguing question. I don’t know eco-architects’ concepts perfectly well because I am not a specialist in this branch. But
I consider sustainability as an only word that has become
fashionable over last decade.

A. Sorry, but I can’t agree with you. Sustainability is not a matter of fashion, but survival. It means finding pioneering design
solutions for buildings and using eco-material in construction.

B. For sure. It is very pity that we have not enough information about designing energy efficient, socially responsible buildings. This aspect is very important in building industry.

A. It is a good chance for us to look for the information in the
library or in the Internet. It also could help us to write our
scientific work.

B. Right you are. See you soon in the library.

Answer the questions.

1. What does sustainability mean?

2. How is sustainability connected to ecological problems?

3. What building materials do eco-architects use in their projects?

4. What is the linking element of the past, present and future in
building?

5. Can you explain what it means “designing energy efficient and
socially responsible buildings”?