For those of you unfamiliar with Mormon ways, the difference between a tabernacle and a temple is that the former is open to the public and is used for communal worship and other events, while the latter is only open to the general public prior to its official consecration. LDS temples after consecration are only to be entered by full-fledged members in good standing with their church.
To function as a temple where all the secret ceremonies can be performed, the Provo structure will have to be given a basement. Thus, the "stilts."
Critics point out all the money that is being spent on this that could be spent on the poor. Again, although I disagree with large portions of LDS doctrine, I am uncomfortable with those types of comments. First, because Judas Iscariot said something along those lines to Jesus. Second, because it leaves the critic open to the question, "what are you doing for the poor, then?"
Enjoy the video.