Since its completion in 2014, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)—a pair of residential towers in Milan, Italy, covered by vegetation—has become...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Since its completion in 2014, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)—a pair of residential towers in Milan, Italy, covered by vegetation—has become a striking symbol of environmental sustainability in architecture. Stefano Boeri intended his design, which features balconies that are home to hundreds of trees, to serve as a model for promoting urban biodiversity. However, the concept has faced skepticism: critics note that although the trees used in Bosco Verticale were specifically cultivated for the project, it's too early to tell if they can thrive in this unusual setting.
According to the text, why are some critics skeptical of the concept behind Bosco Verticale?
Some essential aspects of Bosco Verticale's design are difficult to adapt to locations other than Milan.
The plant life on Bosco Verticale ended up being less varied than Boeri had envisioned it would be.
The construction of Bosco Verticale was no less environmentally damaging than the construction of more conventional buildings is.
It is unclear whether Bosco Verticale can support the plant life included in its design.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Since its completion in 2014, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)—a pair of residential towers in Milan, Italy, covered by vegetation—has become a striking symbol of environmental sustainability in architecture." |
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| "Stefano Boeri intended his design, which features balconies that are home to hundreds of trees, to serve as a model for promoting urban biodiversity." |
|
| "However, the concept has faced skepticism:" |
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| "critics note that although the trees used in Bosco Verticale were specifically cultivated for the project, it's too early to tell if they can thrive in this unusual setting." |
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Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: While Bosco Verticale represents an innovative approach to sustainable architecture, critics question whether its plant life can actually survive in this vertical environment.
Argument Flow: The passage first establishes Bosco Verticale as a celebrated example of environmental architecture and explains the designer's intentions. It then shifts to present the critics' perspective, which focuses on uncertainty about whether the trees can thrive in this unusual vertical setting.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? The specific reason why critics are skeptical of Bosco Verticale's concept
What type of answer do we need? The critics' particular concern as stated in the text
Any limiting keywords? "According to the text" means we need to stick to what's explicitly stated
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The critics' skepticism centers on uncertainty about whether the trees can survive in this vertical forest environment
- Even though the trees were specifically cultivated for this project, critics point out that it's too early to know if they'll succeed in this unusual setting
Some essential aspects of Bosco Verticale's design are difficult to adapt to locations other than Milan.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on adapting design to other locations, not mentioned in passage
The plant life on Bosco Verticale ended up being less varied than Boeri had envisioned it would be.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests plant variety was less than expected, passage doesn't discuss variety expectations
The construction of Bosco Verticale was no less environmentally damaging than the construction of more conventional buildings is.
✗ Incorrect
- Focuses on construction environmental damage, not discussed in passage
It is unclear whether Bosco Verticale can support the plant life included in its design.
✓ Correct
- Directly matches critics' concern about uncertainty whether trees can thrive in vertical setting