THE PEOPLE`S PALACE

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE PLACE IS?

WHAT ARE YOUR ASSOSSIATIONS WITH "A LIBRARY"?

WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN A MODERN LIBRARY?

Watch the DVD and answer the questions.

1 Why and how is Birmingham regenerating its city centre?

2 How does the designer describe the city of Birmingham? What characteristics did she try to reflect in the library's design?

3 Why did she call it a ‘People’s Palace’?

4 What is there inside the library besides shelves of books?

5 What is the ‘facade bench’ and what can you do there?

6 What do people say they like once they're inside the library?

Ex2 Watch again and choose the correct alternative.

1 We started with this idea, that's the tradition/ heritage of the proud industrial city, with the steel industry.

2 I think any funding/investment of money put into libraries at the moment is fantastic.

3 And ina time of economic austerity/strictness, what a bold step to take. Wonderful stuff!

4 There's a lot of people, students, they want to be independent/individual but be part of a bigger collective.

5 It’s brilliant, yeah, I really like it, it’s very user-friendly/easy-to-use.

6 I love this in particular/especially. I love this outside bit/section with the balcony.

AGREE OR NOT?

For a society to be healthy, it needs public spaces like libraries, parks and theatres.

AGREE OR NOT?

Local governments shouldn't spend taxpayer’s money on expensive architecture.