‘Sleepboxes’ For Tired, Stranded, Late-night Travelers

October 13, 2011


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

1. stranded (adj.) [stran-did] – left behind in a difficult and helpless situation
Example: The movie was about a man who was stranded on an island for several months.

2. lodging (n.) [loj-ing] – a place where people can sleep or live (usually temporary)
Example: Lodging is usually expensive in big cities.

3. metropolis (n.) [mi-trop-uh-lis] – a large city which is often the capital or a center of a country
Example: Accommodations in the metropolis are often expensive.

4. ventilation (n.) [ven-tl-ey-shuhn] – circulation of air; a means of supplying fresh air
Example: The college dormitory has good ventilation system so I don’t have to turn on the air conditioner.

5. snooze (v.) [snooz] – to take a nap or short sleep
Example: Employees in my company often snooze right after taking their lunch.


Article
Read the text below.


A portable sleeping room for tired, stranded, or late-night travelers is now being marketed in Moscow as a solution to lodging emergencies that occur in the metropolis

Russian architects Mikhail Krymov and Alexei Goryainov created this invention called Sleepboxes. Both frequent travelers, Mikhail and Alexei came up with this idea because they usually find it difficult to find a good place to rest while waiting in airports.

A Sleepbox looks like a huge vending machine, with a built-in two-meter-long bed, fold-up table, baggage space and a ventilation system. It also has LCD TV, wi-fi and electric sockets. A model unit is currently on display at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport and it features a double-deck bed.

Intended to be put mainly in airports and train stations, Sleepboxes are meant to provide travelers a private, cheap and comfortable place to snooze or to spend the night, especially during unexpected situations. The inventors also intend to introduce Sleepboxes in offices for tired workers, in shopping malls for bored husbands or boyfriends, and even in streets or in warm places.

According to the designers, one Sleepbox can be sold at a starting price of US$10,000. They hope to see Sleepboxes in different parts of the world. As of now, they are offering the Sleepbox in Europe, Asia, Africa and USA where local companies can operate it.


Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Are there resting places or rooms in airports, bus stations and train stations in your country?
·         What are the advantages of having resting places or rooms in these places? Are there any disadvantages?

Discussion B

·         Would you consider staying in Sleepboxes? Why or why not?
·         What do you think are the disadvantages of accommodations in public places (like Sleepboxes)?

October 13, 2011