Topic 50 · Construction and Architecture

Construction and Architecture. Part 1: Architecture and Design.

architect

client

building design

plan

floor plan

scale

model

building permit

functional

attractive

Romanesque

Cubism

an interior

a shovel

cement

plaster

an arch

a tunnel

a 3D model

Useful phrases.

The architect discusses the client's needs before starting the design.

A floor plan shows the rooms and their arrangement.

The design should be both functional and attractive.

A building permit is needed before many projects can start.

Construction and Architecture. Part 2: Materials and Structures.

foundation

concrete

brick

steel

timber

beam

insulation

Gothic

Functionalism

an exterior

a ladder

sand

plasterboard

drywall

a ceiling

a dome

a sketch

a section

Useful phrases.

The foundation carries the weight of the whole building.

Concrete and steel are common materials for modern structures.

A beam supports the roof or an upper floor.

Good insulation keeps the building warmer in winter.

Construction and Architecture. Part 3: Construction Site and Trades.

construction site

contractor

builder

carpenter

plumber

electrician

scaffolding

crane

hard hat

safety harness

Renaissance

modern

a hammer

a wheelbarrow

gravel

a pipe

a chimney

a blueprint

an elevation

Useful phrases.

Several trades work together on a construction site.

The crane lifts heavy materials to the upper floors.

Workers must wear a hard hat in areas where objects can fall.

A safety harness is important when working at height.

Construction and Architecture. Part 4: Construction Process and Communication.

budget

schedule

delivery

subcontractor

inspect

quality

delay

progress

renovation

hand over

Baroque

contemporary

a drill

an excavator

a cable

stairs

a balcony

a drawing

demolish

Useful phrases.

The contractor checks the progress of the work every week.

Late delivery of materials can cause a delay.

The project must stay within the budget.

The contractor hands over the finished building to the client.

Construction and Architecture. Part 5: Sustainable and Accessible Buildings.

energy-efficient

solar panel

heat pump

ventilation

natural light

recycled material

green roof

accessible

ramp

barrier-free

Art Nouveau

a façade

a saw

a bulldozer

a tile

reinforced concrete

a column

a bridge

CAD

a hard hat

a safety helmet

Useful phrases.

Energy-efficient buildings use less energy for heating and cooling.

Natural light can make indoor spaces more pleasant.

A ramp makes the entrance accessible to people with limited mobility.

Recycled materials and green roofs can make buildings more sustainable.