cankaya university office of basic and elective courses -english unit- vocabulary presentation for...

CANKAYA UNIVERSITYOFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE

COURSES -ENGLISH UNIT-

VOCABULARY PRESENTATION FOR ENG 205 COURSE

WEEK 5&6

Burj Al Arab

CANKAYA UNIVERSITY - OFFICE OF BASIC AND ELECTIVE COURSES- ENGLISH UNIT

What do you know about this hotel?

Burj al Arab is a luxury hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

It is the fourth tallest hotel in the world.

Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island off the Jumeirah beach, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.

Burj Al Arab is designed by British architect Tom Wright. The design and construction was managed by Canadian engineer Rick Gregory also.

About the hotel, the architect Tom Wright said: “The client wanted a building that would become an iconic or symbolic statement for Dubai; this is very similar to Sydney with its Opera House, London with Big Ben, or Paris with the Eiffel Tower. It needed to be a building that would become synonymous with the name of the country.”

So, Burj Al Arab was built to resemble the sail of a dhow, a type of Arabian vessel.

VOCABULARY

sketch (n) :

Word Formation : sketch (v)Definition: a simple, quickly-made drawing that

does not show much detailSynonyms : drawing, outlineAntonym : -Collocations : sketch of a building

Ex: When Tom Wright first did the sketch of the hotel Burj Al Arab, it looked like a boat sailing in the sea.


recognizable (adj) :

Word Formation : recognize (v), recognizably (adv), recognized (adj)

Definition: able to be recognized; able to be known; easily noticed

Synonyms : apparentAntonym : unnoticedCollocations : -

Ex: He is instantly recognizable as he is 1.9 meters tall.

Ex: Eiffel Tower is an iconic building and it’s recognizable from almost everywhere in Paris.


excavate (v) :

Word Formation : excavation (n)Definition: to dig in the ground, especially with a

machineSynonyms : dig upAntonym : fillCollocations : -

Ex: Because of the roadwork, some of the roads were excavated and close to traffic in Ankara.

Ex: These Roman coins were excavated from a site in Cambridge.


cement (n) :

Word Formation : -Definition: a grey powder made from lime and

clay that becomes hard when it is mixed with water and allowed to dry, and that is used in building

Synonyms : -Antonym : -Collocations : -Ex: Concrete should not be confused with cement.

Concrete is a combination of a cement and aggregate (aggregate: aterials used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, or recycled crushed concrete)


seal off (phr. v) :

Word Formation : Definition: make tight; secure against leakage;

to close tightly or surround with a barricade or cordon

Synonyms : block off, close offAntonym : -Collocations : -

Ex: When building the artifical island of Burj Al Arab, engineers injected liquid cement into the sand to seal off the steel walls from below and to keep the sea out.


foundation (n) :

Word Formation : -Definition: the part of a building, road, bridge,

etc that is under the ground and supports itSynonyms : base, understructureAntonym : -Collocations : foundation of a building

Ex: This building’s foundation is very strong. It’s made of reinforced concrete and steel.

Ex: The foundation of a building should be strong so that it can endure strong earthquakes


drill (v) :

Word Formation : drill (n)Definition: to make a hole in a hard substance

using a special toolSynonyms : -Antonym : -Collocations : drill a hole, drill for something

Ex: The engineers drilling the ground for oil.Ex: He drilled a hole and drived a nail to hang the

painting on the wall.


friction (n) :

Word Formation : frictional, frictionlessDefinition: when a surface rubs against

something, often making movement more difficult

Synonyms : rubbingAntonym : -Collocations : friction between two things

Ex: When you rub your hands together the friction produces heat.

Ex: Putting oil on both surfaces reduces friction.


atrium (n) :

Word Formation : -Definition: a large high open space (usually with

a glass roof) in a tall buildingSynonyms : entranceAntonym : -Collocations : -Ex: The artium of Burj Al Arab is colorful and

large.


distortion (n) :Word Formation : distort (v), distorted (adj)Definition: an undesired change in the waveform

of a signal; any unwanted change between an input signal and output signal.

Harmonic distortion: Harmonic distortion adds overtones (an overtone is any frequency higher than the fundamental frequency of a sound) that are whole number multiples of a sound wave's frequencies

Ex: Harmonic filter system is a device which detects the electronic distortion.

Ex: In an audio system, distortion results in poor reproduction of recorded sound.


weigh (v) :

Word Formation : -Definition: to be of a specific weightSynonyms : -Antonym : -Collocations : -

Ex: Burj Al Arab is a 321 meter structure and it weighs a quarter of a million tone.

Ex: How much do you weigh?


low-lying (adj) :

Word Formation : -Definition: describes land that is at or near the

level of the seaSynonyms : -Antonym : -Collocations : -

Ex: People living in low-lying areas were evacuated because of the floods.


withstand (v) :

Word Formation : withstanding (adj)Definition: to not be damaged or broken by

something Synonyms : endure, resistAntonym : -Collocations : -

Ex: This bridge is designed to withstand strong weather conditions.


ornate styling (n) :

Word Formation :-Definition: an architectural style elaborately,

heavily, and often excessively ornamented.Synonyms : -Antonym : -Collocations : -

Ex: Luxurious hotels in Dubai have generally an ornate styling.


vibrant (adj) :

Word Formation : vibrate (v), vibration (n)Definition: 1. a vibrant color is very bright 2. full of excitement and energySynonyms : alive, colorfulAntonym : colorless, dull, paleCollocations : a vibrant decoration, vibrant

colors, a vibrant city

Ex: The interior decoration of her house is vibrant: it is colorful and full of energy.


intensity (n) :

Word Formation : intesify(v), intense(adj), intensely(adv)

Definition: the state or quality of being intenseSynonyms : densityAntonym : -Collocations : The intensity of a

storm/rain/heat/pain

Intense (adj): Extreme in degree, strength, or size

Ex: The intensity of the rain was so terrifying that everyone ran away in different directions to find a shelter.


calculation (n) :

Word Formation : calculate (v), calculated (adj)Definition: when you use mathematics to

discover a number or amountSynonyms : -Antonym : -Collocations : -

Ex: She did some quick calculations to see if she could afford to buy the car.


EXERCISE 1: (00:00-4:30) Listen and answer the questions. (p.23)

1. What is the height of Burj al Arab?

2. What is the meaning of “Burj al Arab”?

3. When did the construction begin?

4. Who is the client of this project?

1. It’s 321 meters long.

2. It means the “Arabian Tower”.

3. In 1994.4. Sheikh Mohammed

bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai’s

crown prince.

5. What is the reason of building such a luxurious hotel in Dubai?

6. How was the coast of Dubai fifty years ago?

5. The project is a response to the economic time bomb that his country confronts. It is an alternative solution for the future economic meltdown which will be caused by the consumption of the oil totally.

6. Dubai’s sea was home to pearl divers and coastal traders. Then, in the 1960’s, prospectors discovered oil.

7. What is the prediction of geologists about the oil consumption in Dubai?

8. What does the economic survival of Dubai depend on other than oil?

9. What is the unique reputation of Burj al Arab?

10. Who is the chief architect of the project?

11. What buildings did the chief architect and his colleagues in the project build before?

7. The geologists predict the oil boom will be over in 2016.

8. Its geography: Sun,

sand and sea. 9. It is a seven star

hotel.10. Tom Wright11. Schools and

offices

I. The basic principles of creating a world icon in architecture

II. The risks of building an artificial island for the hotel: extreme weather.

III. III. The stage of the building by the early 1995

IV. IV: The function of concrete blocks used in the construction

EXERCISE 2: A) STAGE 1: DESIGN (4:30-12:16)Listen and take notes. (p.24)

I. The basic principles of creating a world icon in architecture:

An icon is simple and instantly recognizable. If you can draw a building simply with a few strokes of a pen, it would be instantly recognizable you would create something iconic. Sydney Opera House in Australia is an example.

II. The risks of building an artificial island for the hotel: extreme weather.

The powerful storm known as a “Shamal” sweeps across the Gulf hitting the coast. The storm’s intensity shocks the architects. Another risk is the earthquakes.

EXERCISE 2: Answer Key

III. The stage of the building by the early 1995: Building a low-line or a high-line island is debated. The storm Shamal that hit the coast April 27 was a warning.

IV. The function of concrete blocks used in the construction:

Concrete blocks absorb the force of the waves. These blocks work like a sponge: as the wave hits, the water passes inside the space and turns around itself. The force of the wave is largely decreased.

EXERCISE 2: Answer Key

1. There are more than ten iconic architectural designs in the world. 2. Tom Wright comes with the idea of a hotel in shape of a sailing

yatch when he was watching a fisherman. 3. The hotel was build 270 meters off the coast. 4. Shekh Mohammed doesn’t like the idea of building a hotel in

shape of a sailing yatch. 5. Some of the risks of building a hotel on an artificial island in Dubai

are earthquakes and storms. 6. Architect Tom Wright wanted to make the height of the island high

to give the impression of a sail rising out of the water. 7. Shamal is a powerful earthquake that can destroy Burj al Arab. 8. At first, the engineers planned to build the island using rocks but

Tom Wright rejected this. 9. The concrete blocks at the base of the hotel work like a sponge: as

the wave hits, the water passes inside the space and turns around itself.

10. The height of the artificial island is seven and half meters above the sea.

B) STAGE 1: DESIGN Decide whether the statements below are TRUE or FALSE. Correct the false statements. (p.25)

1. There are (NO) more than ten iconic architectural designs in the world. F

2. Tom Wright comes with the idea of a hotel in shape of a sailing yacht when he was watching a fisherman. (a modern sailing yacht) F

3. The hotel would was 270 meters off the coast. T4. Shekh Mohammed doesn’t like (likes) the idea of building a hotel in

shape of a sailing yatch. F5. Some of the risks of building a hotel on an artificial island in Dubai

are earthquakes and storms. T6. Architect Tom Wright wanted to make the height of the island high

(low) to give the impression of a sail rising out of the water. F7. Shamal is a powerful earthquake (storm) that can destroy Burj al

Arab. F8. At first, the engineers planned to build the island using rocks but

Tom Wright rejected this. T9. The concrete blocks at the base of the hotel work like a sponge: as

the wave hits, the water passes inside the space and turns around itself. T

10. The height of the artificial island is seven and half meters above the sea. T

B) STAGE 1: DESIGN Answer Key (p.25)

In the centre of the island, the construction workers drive huge lengths of steel 1. ________ into the ground. This creates a triangular steel wall, which will become the outside of the 2. __________________ once they excavate the sand from inside. But 3. __________________ the sand could be dangerous…

EXERCISE 3: STAGE 2: CONSTRUCTION Listen and fill in the blanks with the correct words. In some blanks you will write more than one word. (p.25-26)

twenty meters

hotel basement removing

The 4. __________________of the sea is a huge force on its bed. This 5.__________________ forces water through the sand and threatens the artificial island from beneath. To keep the 6. __________________, McNicholas injects liquid cement into the sand to seal off the steel walls from below, but as the sand is removed to form the basement there is less and less weight to hold back the force of the sea. The cement steel is going to be 7. __________________to the limit…

weight pressure

sea out

tested

If McNischolas’ calculations are wrong, the excavation could be swamped killing 8.__________________ . But he stands by his design. With the cement steel in place, the excavators begin to remove the sand. As the man responsible, he is not going to let the workers 9. __________________ alone…When put to the test, both wall and steel hold 10.__________________ .

hundreds of workers

face the risk

firm

EXERCISE 4: STAGE 3: FOUNDATIONS A) Listen and answer the questions (p.26)

1. What problem do the

engineers and the driller come across when the foundation of the hotel started to be build?

2. What is the plan of the architects for the problem about the foundation of the hotel?

3. What is “skin friction”?

1. The team searching for bed rock, drilled deep into the sea bed. But even a full a 180 meters down, there was no solid rock.

2. They want to support the Burj using steel reinforced concrete foundation piles drilled

deep into the sand.

3. The resistance that stops two rough surfaces slipping past each other.

The geography of Dubai gives everyone reason to concern. It lies within a range of major fault line. So, this soaring mega-structure could be vulnerable to storms.

In June 1964, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Nigata, the southern Japan. Because the area is built on sand, the tremors flip over the entire apartment buildings. This is a normal earthquake collapse. This is a devastating phenomenon known as liquafaction. As grains of loose sand shake, they fill up any air pockets and compact taking up more space. The ground stops behaving like solid earth and acts like a liquid. On shifting rock any building could simply tumble.

B) There are 10 errors in the script. Listen and find the errors and correct them. (18:00 – 20:50) (p.26)

When results of the drilling test return, it’s good news. Deep beneath the site, they found compacted and calcified sand: liquafaction is not a big threat…

Crispe specifies the foundations are 20 meters wider than originally planned. These 250 concrete piles have a combined length of ten kilometers. 38 times as long as the towering hotel they will support…

The hotel itself has slender concrete walls, not capable of withstanding the elements alone. To hold them firm against the high winds and earthquakes, the architect devices a visually stunning solution: a gigantic concrete structure outside the main building known as exoskeleton. A serious of vast diagonal trusses: tied to the concrete core to the back of the building. Wright’s design will make the building unique, but his giant trusses will make life hell for Anthony McCarter, the engineer… They must be incredibly strong to tight the exoskeleton together. But statistics are as just as vital.

The geography of Dubai gives everyone reason to concern. It lies within a range of major fault line. So, this soaring mega-structure could be vulnerable to storms (earthquakes).

In June 1964, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Nigata, the southern (northern) Japan. Because the area is built on sand, the tremors flip over the entire apartment buildings. This is a (isn’t) normal earthquake collapse. This is a devastating phenomenon known as liquafaction. As grains of loose sand shake, they fill up any air pockets and compact taking up more (less) space. The ground stops behaving like solid earth and acts like a liquid. On shifting rock (sand) any building could simply tumble.

B) Answer Key (p.26)

When results of the drilling test return, it’s good news. Deep beneath the site, they found compacted and calcified sand: liquafaction is not a big (is a big) threat…

Crispe specifies the foundations are 20 meters wider (longer) than originally planned. These 250 concrete piles have a combined length of ten kilometers. 38 (35) times as long as the towering hotel they will support…


The hotel itself has slender concrete walls, not capable of withstanding the elements alone. To hold them firm against the high winds and earthquakes, the architect devices a visually stunning solution: a gigantic concrete (steel) structure outside the main building known as exoskeleton. A serious of vast diagonal trusses: tied to the concrete core to the back of the building. Wright’s design will make the building unique, but his giant trusses will make life hell for Anthony McCarter, the engineer… They must be incredibly strong to tight the exoskeleton together. But statistics (aesthetics) are as just as vital.


EXERCISE 5: STAGE 4: INTERIOR DECORATION A) Listen and answer the questions. (37:00- 40:30) (p.27)

1. Who is going to design

the interior of Burj al Arab?

2. How many palatial suits does Burj al Arab have?

1. Khuan Chew who has already worked for the Sultan of Brunei.2. 202.

EXERCISE 5: STAGE 4: INTERIOR DECORATION (p.27)

3. How high is the atrium of the hotel?

4. What does the Shekh want to make the hotel more luxurious?

3. 80 meters.4. The Shekh wants

to offer guests every conceivable electronic gadget in their suit.

EXERCISE 5: STAGE 4: INTERIOR DECORATION (p.27)

5. What is the challenge that Rob Ruse, an electrical engineer, faces?

6. What is the solution of Rob Ruse for the problem he faces?

5. The hotel will have a lot of electronic devices and electric cables. All these electronics can create a problem known as “harmonic distortion”. This can melt the sheeting around life cables and cause a fire.

6. He devices a harmonic filter system. First it detects the electronic distortion, then it sends a current. It’s called anti-fase and works like noise cancelling head-phones.

EXERCISE 5: STAGE 4: INTERIOR DECORATION A) Listen and answer the questions. (37:00- 40:30) (p.27)

1. Who is going to design

the interior of Burj al Arab?

2. How many palatial suits does Burj al Arab have?

1. Khuan Chew who has already worked for the Sultan of Brunei.2. 202.

1. Khuan Chew’s aim is to:___________________2. Khuan Chew uses luxurious material in

luxurious suits such as:____________________ 3. The first design of the atrium:______________4. Shekh Mohammed is happy with

_______________, but completely rejects ___________________________________ because it’s _______________________

5. Unlike the first one, the second design of the atrium is:______________________________

B) Take notes and write down the missing information. (40:30-44:30)(p.27)

1. Khuan Chew’s aim is to: shock, to innovate and to amaze the guests with a modern Arab palace.

2. Khuan Chew uses luxurious material in luxurious suits such as: marbles from Italy and Spain , 22 carat gold, crystal chandeliers woven silver and velvet.

3. The first design of the atrium: is minimalist. It is all white.


4. Shekh Mohammed is happy with the ornate styling of the luxury suits, but completely rejects the white styling of the atrium because it’s too plain.

5. Unlike the first one, the second design of the atrium is: colorful. There is a fabric wall as well as fountains.There are vast fish tanks welcome visitors when they arrive the escalators. The atrium is painted into vibrant rainbow colors.


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hotel burj al arab

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iconic building

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