Architecture of the future

1. Look at the pictures and discuss the questions.

• What features, in your opinion, will make architecture of the future principally
different from that of today or the past?
• If you were to design a poster for a conference on architecture of the future,
which picture would you choose and why?
• Have you seen a film or read a book which presents a vision of future cities
that you particularly like or dislike? Give more details. Do any of the pictures
remind you of this book or film?

2. Choose the best word to complete each sentence.

a) As urbanization continues to increase, we are certain to see more … buildings,
which will help make the most efficient use of limited available land.
1) low-rise 2) high-rise 3) open-plan 4) underwater
b) With technological innovation advancing …, homes of the future may be
designed to monitor and adjust their own energy usage, lighting and
temperature.
1) absolutely 2) utterly 3) exponentially 4) inevitably

Copyrights by ESL Brains

 Architecture of the future

c) More and more buildings may well incorporate a vast … of natural elements
such as plants, green walls and natural light.
1) array 2) multitude 3) collection 4) set
d) Buildings will need to be … to changing demands, with designs that can
evolve over time to meet new needs and requirements.
1) adaptable 2) resistant 3) susceptible 4) innovative
e) The focus on sustainability, energy efficiency and innovative design that
incorporates the latest technology and materials is bound to … the potential of
future architecture.
1) control 2) maintain 3) compromise 4) maximize
f) What will set future architecture apart is the ability of most buildings to … a
wide range of functions.
1) decline 2) emphasize 3) accommodate 4) implement
g) As lifestyles and work patterns continue to evolve, both homes and office
buildings may be … of modules so you can easily add or remove rooms and
offices.
1) made up 2) consisting 3) built up 4) comprising
h) Flexibility will be at the heart of architecture of the future, inspiring the
construction of buildings that can be easily … up or down and still remain
operational.
1) relocated 2) rebuilt 3) expanded 4) scaled

3. Add one word or phrase that collocates with each word. Don’t use examples
from ex. 2.
a) a low-rise …………………….
b) ……………………. exponentially
c) an array of …………………….
d) resistant to …………………….
e) ……………………. the potential
f) accommodate …………………….
g) be ……………………. of modules
h) can be ……………………. rebuilt

Copyrights by ESL Brains

 Architecture of the future

4. Look at the ideas in ex. 2 and discuss the questions.

• Which ideas can be seen in action today? Give examples if you can.
• Which ideas are likely to be implemented in the near future?
• Which ideas sound too far-fetched? Explain why.

5. You are going to watch a video about a hospital of the future. Discuss how
the features below might be related to its design.

modular smart versatile

sustainable biophilic design

6. Watch the video [https://youtu.be/YlpYdLh0N58], check your ideas and

decide if all the features in ex. 5 are mentioned in the video.

7. Discuss the questions.

• Do you think hospitals will actually look like this in the future? Which features
are likely to be implemented? How would these features impact the patients’
experience?
• What are some difficulties that might arise while constructing such hospitals
(consider the modular structure, biophilic design features, etc.)?
• How might the hospital described in the video be more effective than a
traditionally designed hospital? What could be the outcomes for the healthcare
industry, including the role of doctors, and healthcare costs?
• What are the potential implications of using automation and 3D printing in the
construction and operation of hospitals and other facilities of the future?

Copyrights by ESL Brains

 Architecture of the future

8. Discuss how the items below might be affected once the architectural
features discussed in the video are introduced on a larger scale.

people’s daily routines and lifestyle ancient and historic buildings

pets zoos farming hotels

entertainment schools and learning

9. Choose the quote that best reflects this lesson’s discussion about
architecture of the future. Explain your choice.
• “If you weren’t an optimist, it would be impossible to be an architect.” Norman
Foster
• “I said I do not want to make a building that looks like a building.” B.V. Doshi
• “People ignore design that ignores people.” Frank Chimero
• “Whatever good things we build end up building us.” Jim Rohn

Copyrights by ESL Brains