4 Arts and theatre

Unit 3 Lessons 3–4

Lessons 3–4 Architecture as art● What is your impression of this building? Is it beautiful?

Do you think it is practical?

Reading1 Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

1 Write a title for this text. 2 What type of essay do you think it is?

a narrativeb expository

c persuasive/argumentatived descriptive

3 What are the key features of this essay? How is it structured?

The UAE is no stranger to world-renowned architecture, there are too many striking buildings to mention. There is a debate, however, about whether architecture is a true art form. Can we compare the gate building in Abu Dhabi, to a work of art by Picasso, for example? The detail and design that has gone into every inch of a building is enormous and therefore, architecture must truly be considered a work of art.

Good architecture brings art into everyday life. It may not be its main function but when we see a beautiful house or building, we imagine ourselves living there. Landmark buildings can draw visitors to them just as art galleries do. Artists and architects differ greatly when it comes to how they work. Artists turn real life ideas or images into abstract, sometimes difficult to understand ideas. Architecture does the opposite, it turns abstract ideas into real buildings - both require imagination and creativity.

The opposing view argues that architecture is, at its heart, functional. Its primary purpose is practical – to provide shelter. Picture 1, a block of apartments/flats, is not what most would consider art. But functionality and creativity can be combined to produce something beautiful as in picture 2.

The arts and architecture share qualities; they both focus on form, proportion, texture and colour. They require imagination and creativity. Architects have to transfer clients’ ideas into functional, beautiful places. In this sense, architecture is absolutely an art form, perhaps the best form of art!

Did you know?The building in the picture is the Heydar Aliyev center in Baku. It was designed by the Iraqi-born architect Zaha Hadid.

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4 Arts and theatre

Unit 3 Lessons 3–4

From the world’s tallest building to the iconic Burj Al Arab,

the UAE truly has many examples of striking architecture.

However, there is a debate on whether architecture is a true art form.

Can we compare the Gate Towers building in Abu Dhabi, to a work of art

by Picasso, for example? Buildings, though in some cases beautiful, are

primarily functional therefore, architecture cannot be considered as art.

Speaking2 Look at the photographs and discuss the following in

groups:

1 Which building do you think is the most beautiful/ugly?2 Which building is the most functional?3 Choose one that you would consider as art and

explain why.

Writing

3 You are going to write two paragraphs of an essay on ‘Art and Architecture’. You must take an opposing view to the one expressed in the text on page 70.

1 Read the introduction that has been done for you.

Language tipLook at the words in italics in the reading. They are three different forms of one word. Notice the spelling. The spelling/ending changes depending on whether the word is an adjective (functional), noun (function, functionality) or verb (function).

Writing tipAn argumentative or persuasive essay is an essay where you state your opinion on a subject and support it with evidence. A persuasive essay should look at both sides of the argument.

2 Plan two paragraphs in the graphic organiser below.

Supporting argument Counter argument

3 In your note book, write two paragraphs – one supporting your opinion and one counter argument.

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