City Design - Unit 10

C1 Advanced · Cross Text Multiple Matching · Ready for C1 Advanced 4th Edition, Macmillan Education

You are going to read four commentaries on the subject of city design. For questions 1–4, choose from the commentaries A–D. The commentaries may be chosen more than once.

Mark Dehora

Auckland is consistently ranked in the top ten of the world’s best cities to live in. But while it certainly deserves high scores for its stable social environment, opportunities for outdoor recreation and sub-tropical climate, the same cannot be said for its housing situation. Few millennials are in the financial position to acquire the typical three-bedroom houses being erected at speed on the outskirts of the city. Nor do they find these kinds of home desirable. The direction we need to go in, therefore, is to have cleverly designed, compact apartments in the city centre, close to late-opening amenities, galleries and restaurants. It goes without saying that compact is not the same as cramped. Nor should these apartments be erected in the shadows of the hideous high-rises dedicated to commerce, now ruining Auckland’s skyline. Attracting younger citizens will also require attention to the walkability of the city. Banning traffic from the centre is the first step towards this.

Joanne Webb

Among the fundamental things an attractive city needs is ‘visible life’; people socialising and interacting in public places such as outdoor cafes, squares and parks. Another is a vibrant arts scene, and, over the last decade, Auckland has gone from strength to strength in this respect, particularly in regard to the international festivals it hosts. That said, an attractive city must also be one that can cope with a burgeoning population, and for Auckland, this primarily means a radical rethink of the way people move about. Other cities have taken the lead in terms of sharing vehicles, and Auckland must follow suit if it is to ease congestion and move towards a greener, cleaner environment. Another fundamental principle is housing affordability. Since most young workers and students in Auckland prioritise convenience over size when it comes to buying or renting accommodation, efforts must be focused on constructing six-storey, mid-rise blocks in the uptown and downtown areas of the city.

Shane Mareroa

Work and education opportunities, stunning coastal views, and the multi-cultural vibe are but some of the reasons people born in other regions of New Zealand decide to make Auckland their home. Overpriced housing and the relentless traffic are two of the reasons they leave. To address those issues, we must make it more tempting for young people to relocate to suburban areas on the boundaries of Auckland city that are largely underpopulated. Not only will they have the advantage of a cheaper, more spacious dwelling, but also a better chance of becoming part of a community, something virtually impossible in overcrowded high-density areas where loneliness is rife. At the same time, with more comedy acts, theatre performances and live music events on offer in Auckland than ever before, we must ensure that young people can access them. An increase in subterranean and rooftop parking would make the drive in to the city centre a more attractive proposition.

Elsie Wong

Looking out across Auckland in the 1990s, one could be forgiven for thinking that the city’s architects had neither the skill nor the aspiration to design anything interesting. But today a number of iconic structures stand out, towering above the rest – powerful symbols of the corporations that occupy their floors. Less remarkable is the state of Auckland city’s housing. Single-occupancy or units designed for couples, rather than families, are the answer. Therefore, we need to start thinking ‘vertical’ to make the most of inner-city areas. Such regeneration will, in turn, attract small businesses, movie theatres and eateries. Further, the government must acknowledge the fact that millennials and their successors, Generation Z, are adept at using technology to manage all aspects of daily life, including transport. Schemes that make it easier for city inhabitants to get about by taking rides with others should be high on the agenda, and investment in motorways struck off.

Which commentator expresses a different view from the others regarding new residential development in Auckland?

Which commentator shares C’s opinion on the cultural activities that can be experienced in Auckland city?

Which commentator has a different view to A on the impact of very tall buildings on the Auckland city landscape?

Which commentator takes a similar view to B about the future of travel within Auckland city?

City Design

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

More C1 Advanced Cross-Text Multiple Matching practice · All C1 Advanced practice