Why do we build skyscrapers? The example of London's The Shard

Not everyone likes it... Article on The Shard from The Guardian

Reaching for the sky (short radio program with transcript on The Shard)

Take a tour of The Shard's viewing platform (video)

Interactive view from the top of The Shard (The Guardian)

Will skyscrapers solve the problem of over-crowding?
Crossword puzzle on London sights!

Questions on "Reaching for the sky":

1. How tall is The Shard?
2. What is a "shard"?
3. What is the London Eye?
4. Where is the world's tallest building?
5. What does "dodgy" mean?
6. Why do several London buildings have strange nicknames?

Questions on "Will skyscrapers solve the problem of over-crowding?":

1. Why, according to Mr Johnson, are skyscrapers a good thing?
2. Should skyscrapers be included in an ecocity do you think?

What is an eco-city?

A definition of "ecocity"
Future cities...
A Chinese eco-city

Questions:

1. List the problems associated with city living.
2. What is an eco-city (give your own short definition)?
3. How does an eco-city solve the problems associated with living in a city?
4. Describe a particular eco-city or eco-district (real or yet to be built).
5. If you could build an ecocity, what would you include in it and why (you can list by order of priority)?

Winter of discontent over for Richard III...

Read the OUR LITTLE EARTH article!

Read the articles on DAZE!
Do the CROSSWORD on archaeology!
York wants its king back!

Questions:

1. Have there been any important archeological digs in YOUR town (describe them)?
2. Have you ever taken part in an archeological dig and/or a conservation project (if not, would you like to)?
3. List your favourite monuments and historic places in your town; what do you like about them?
4. Old buildings are not eco-friendly; should we knock them down?!
5. How would you avoid making a newly-built eco-city "soulless" (as it would have no places of historic interest, it would surely be a rather boring place to have to live in)?

Hong Kong, not so fragrant harbor!

Hong Kong suffers from serious air pollution

Questions:

1. What is the air pollution in Hong Kong due to?
2. What are the effects on the environment, the economy, and the people?
3. What is being done about this serious problem?
4. What is pollution due to in YOUR town, and what is being done about it?

Water and light pollution are also a problem in Hong Kong! Click on the links below:

> Clean-up operation

> The brightest city