Contemporary residential architecture reflects an ongoing tension between visual drama and practical functionality. Many current architects have moved...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Contemporary residential architecture reflects an ongoing tension between visual drama and practical functionality. Many current architects have moved away from the bold, uniform structures that dominated mid-20th century modernism, instead embracing flexible, interconnected spaces that can evolve with residents' changing needs. This shift toward adaptable design traces back to Christopher Alexander (1936-), who challenged the era's emphasis on abstract geometric forms by promoting buildings rooted in natural, human-scaled patterns. Alexander's conviction that organic design principles create more livable environments has gained significant traction: while some designers continue to prioritize dramatic visual impact, the prevailing trend now favors functional adaptability over aesthetic statement-making, thereby enabling residents to ______
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
appreciate the aesthetic complexity of avant-garde architectural movements and styles.
adapt their living spaces to changing needs and preferences over time.
maintain clear separation between public and private areas within the home.
showcase expensive materials and cutting-edge construction technologies to visitors.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Contemporary residential architecture reflects an ongoing tension between visual drama and practical functionality." |
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| "Many current architects have moved away from the bold, uniform structures that dominated mid-20th century modernism, instead embracing flexible, interconnected spaces that can evolve with residents' changing needs." |
|
| "This shift toward adaptable design traces back to Christopher Alexander (1936-), who challenged the era's emphasis on abstract geometric forms by promoting buildings rooted in natural, human-scaled patterns." |
|
| "Alexander's conviction that organic design principles create more livable environments has gained significant traction:" |
|
| "while some designers continue to prioritize dramatic visual impact, the prevailing trend now favors functional adaptability over aesthetic statement-making," |
|
| "thereby enabling residents to ______" |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Contemporary architecture is shifting from visually dramatic modernist structures toward functionally adaptable designs that better serve residents' changing needs.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes a tension in modern architecture, shows how this tension is being resolved through a trend toward adaptability (tracing this to Christopher Alexander's influence), and builds toward explaining how this benefits residents—which is where we need to complete the thought.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The passage builds a clear logical chain: architects moved toward "flexible, interconnected spaces that can evolve with residents' changing needs" and now favor "functional adaptability."
- So the benefit to residents should directly connect to this adaptability theme.
- The right answer should relate to the concept of "changing needs" mentioned earlier and show how residents actually use or benefit from this adaptability.
appreciate the aesthetic complexity of avant-garde architectural movements and styles.
- This focuses on appreciating aesthetic complexity of avant-garde movements.
- This directly contradicts the passage's point that the trend has moved away from "aesthetic statement-making" toward functionality.
adapt their living spaces to changing needs and preferences over time.
- Perfectly completes the logical flow from "flexible, interconnected spaces that can evolve with residents' changing needs."
- Directly connects "functional adaptability" to the practical benefit residents receive.
maintain clear separation between public and private areas within the home.
- Focuses on separating public and private areas.
- The passage emphasizes "interconnected spaces," which suggests connection rather than separation.
showcase expensive materials and cutting-edge construction technologies to visitors.
- Emphasizes showcasing expensive materials and technology to visitors.
- Contradicts the passage's movement away from "dramatic visual impact" toward practical functionality.