Khan shatyr, kazakhstan
situated in astana, khan shatyr is a modern shopping and
entertainment centre where a wide variety of shopping and leisure
activities are found under one roof. it was designed by architect norman
foster and it was opened in 2010. today it's one of kazakhstan's main
tourist attractions
it imitates the tent structure of the yurt, providing a constant reminder
to urban kazakhs of their roots out on the steppe. but that's not all!
khan shatyr is one of the world's most eco-friendly buildings.
it has been provided with a see-through covering that
helps to maintain a constant warm temperature
inside whatever the weather. its builders have
also designed its distinctive shape to
withstand high winds. it is a
unique structure for all
kinds of weather!
the crystal - uk
next to the waters of the river thames there is a
remarkable building - the crystal. it was designed
by wilkinson eyre architects and it opened in 2012.
it contains an exhibition on sustainability where
visitors are given the opportunity to explore issues
such as energy, water and the environment
the crystal is the most eco-friendly building in
london. it is covered with solar panels that provide
all of its electricity and engineers have installed
special pipes which store extra energy underground.
it also produces 90% of its own water by collecting
rainwater and waste water. the crystal is a great
example of how modern architecture has been made
to work with nature to save the planet.

work in pairs. compare and contrast the two buildings in the texts. use presents simple, past simple and present perfect active and passive forms. заранее ​