Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. architectural
    • ex. The museum has an exhibit that shows the architectural designs of famous buildings from around the world.
  2. immersive
    • ex. Watching movies in 3D can be more immersive because it feels like the action is really happening around you.
  3. an installation
    • ex. The artist created a large installation in the museum, using colorful lights and different objects to show how people live in cities.
  4. an icicle
    • ex. Be careful when walking under trees in winter, as falling icicles can be dangerous.
  5. biting
    • ex. In the winter, you need gloves and hats to protect yourself from the biting cold in the air.

Article

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The annual architectural structure, Ice Castles, has reopened in New Hampshire and several other states in the U.S., offering an immersive winter experience. Ice Castles are temporary art installations and tourist attractions. They are made from thousands of icicles, which are grown, collected, and displayed as towers, tunnels, and caves. The icicles are then sprayed with water to help them grow.

Since it first started in 2011, the company that creates these ice installations has grown and now has Ice Castles in Utah, Minnesota, Colorado, and New Hampshire. Company vice president Jared Henningsen said, “It’s one of the biggest ice castles we’ve ever built,” noting they have used about 25 million pounds of ice. 

After a warm winter last year, the company officials were happy that the weather was cold enough this season. A winter storm brought biting cold and wet snow to the South. But Ice Castles visitors in New Hampshire were still excited to explore the art installations. By day, the ice structures shine with soft blue light. But at night, the ice transforms into pink, purple, and green lights. “I think it inspires people,” said Henningsen.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Architectural Designs

  • The Ice Castles in New Hampshire were built using 25 million pounds of ice. How do you feel about the use of ice and snow in architecture? Discuss.
  • The Ice Castles are made of thousands of icicles. What other unusual materials or designs would you like to see used in future architectural projects? Why? Discuss.
  • How do you think architectural projects like the Ice Castles can inspire people or bring communities together? Discuss.

Art Installation as Tourist Attractions

  • What do you think about the idea of creating temporary art installations like the Ice Castles? Discuss.
  • What art installations in your country are similar to the Ice Castles (ex. teamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka)? Why? Discuss.
  • Imagine that you are tasked to create an art installation as a tourist attraction in your county. What kind of art installation would you make? Discuss.