Space in One World Trade Center, Up for Grabs

January 11, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. open for business /ˈoʊ pən fɔr ˈbɪz nɪs/ (idiom) – (in business) to be readily operational
Example: The restaurant opened for business a week after their shop’s construction was finished.

2. story /ˈstɔr i, ˈstoʊr i/ (n.) – a level of a building
Example: Our building is the shortest in the city as it has only three stories

3. lease /lis/ (v.) – to let someone occupy a space on the condition of a fixed payment
Example: The college student leased an apartment near the university.

4. tenant /ˈtɛn ənt/ (n.) – someone who rents a space
Example: The apartment has a new tenant.

5. complex /ˈkɒm plɛks/ (n.) – a space occupied by buildings belonging to or related in a group
Example: The new complex will include a condominium, a mall, and a sports gym.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Built in memory of the Twin Towers, One World Trade Center is now open for business.

Standing with 104 stories and a height of 1,776 feet, One World Trade Center is officially the new tallest building in the United States. Its most striking feature is its smooth and glaring needle-like structure.

Although it is symbolic of the country’s growth and freedom, the building’s design is also efficient both environmentally and security-wise. Most of the construction materials used are recycled and fireproof. The building’s reflective windows allow interior daylighting; it is also well-equipped with backup emergency lighting and biochemical filters.

The building opened in November 2014. According to Durst Organization, one of the building’s co-owners, 60 percent of the building’s space was instantly leased on its first month. One of its first tenants is Condé Nast, a giant publishing company known for producing famous magazines like Vogue and The New Yorker. The company, which has 3,400 employees, occupies the twentieth to the forty-fourth floor. Other tenants include China Center New York and Legends Hospital Group.

One World Trade Center is one of the five towers planned to be built in the World Trade Center (WTC) complex. At present, only two towers have finished construction. Aside from the buildings, the complex is also home to the National September 11 Memorial and the National September 11 Museum, which opened in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Future constructions include a performing arts center and a park.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         What does building the One World Trade Center signify? Please explain.
·         What kind of building (e.g. mall, sports complex, etc.) do you think they should build in the WTC complex? Please explain your answer.

Discussion B

·         Aside from its specific purpose, are infrastructures important in your culture? Why or why not?
·         What are the most important infrastructures in your country? Please describe them briefly.

January 11, 2015