Designing low-cost housing - Test 2

C2 Proficiency · Listening Multiple Choice Interview · Cambridge English Proficiency 2, Cambridge University Press

You will hear part of an interview with two British architects, Malcolm Fletcher and Alison Brooks, about the design of new low-cost housing. For questions 1–5, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which fits best according to what you hear.

An interview with two British architects, Malcolm Fletcher and Alison Brooks, about the design of new low-cost housing.

What view is expressed about the government's plans to build houses on greenfield sites?

Opposition groups are unlikely to have any real influence.

It may be possible to create space by demolishing some existing buildings.

There is a more important priority than preserving the countryside.

New developments should show continuity with what has gone before.

What does Malcolm regard as special about the Newhall housing development in Essex?

the involvement of local people in the planning process

the unusual attitude of the original landowners

the good relationship between the builders and the architect

the freedom given to the designers

The aspect of Margaret Gibbs's houses which both Alison and Malcolm appreciate is

their visual appeal.

their generous dimensions.

their structural strength.

their internal layout.

When designing the space around the Essex houses, Margaret Gibbs

attempted to integrate homes with recreational areas.

conceded to the general demand for a garden.

allowed a bigger external area than usual.

aimed to safeguard the inhabitants' privacy.

What do Malcolm and Alison agree about the aesthetic qualities of buildings?

Architectural form may sometimes take precedence over function.

Beauty is an intrinsic aspect of good architecture.

There is little consensus concerning what constitutes good style.

Popular notions of good taste inevitably change over time.

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