B1 – Intermediate
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is without a doubt one of the most fascinating pieces of architecture in the world. The Spanish architect and designer Antoni Gaudí began this project in the 1880s and until today, isn’t finished yet.
Modern-day architects employ 3D scans, models, and printing to understand Gaudí’s original plans and designs and to rebuild parts of the basilica that had been destroyed during the Spanish Civil War.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the use of technology to improve the design and structure of the world-famous La Sagrada Familia.
Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
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Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to feel close to someone” mean? “Gaudí designed the church to make people look up and feel close to God.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- In architecture, what does “ruled surface” mean? “He used special shapes and ruled surfaces in his designs, based on geometry.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “panel” mean here, “Engineers used a modern method with stone panels and steel cables to solve this.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “panel”.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about using technology to continue working on La Sagrada Familia?
- Share your thoughts on this, “The basilica is now close to completion and will soon be the tallest church in the world.”.
- Talk about your experience visiting La Sagrada Familia or any similar structure.