Ep 2. Chicago 24

Aerial Cities season 1 episode 2 delves into the Windy City, Chicago. Providing extraordinary views of the city from a bird's eye perspective, the episode takes the audience on a journey through various areas of Chicago. The city known for its architecture and history has an important legacy as well as notable landmarks. The episode provides insight into the engineering marvels of the city and its development over time.

The episode begins with an overview of Chicago's downtown skyline, one of the most iconic in the world; featuring the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower as the focal points. The show introduces the viewers to Lake Point Tower, the only residential building in the city located east of Lake Shore Drive and standing at 70 stories.

The episode then moves on to showcase the Chicago River, which is an important aspect of the city in terms of transportation and architecture. The clockwise flow of the river through the city's downtown area forms an architectural wonderland, mainly by accomplishing feats like the Merchandise Mart, the Wrigley Building, and the Clock Tower Building. The show provides insight into the history, development and impact of these landmarks in the city's downtown area.

The episode then takes the audience to the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago, a relatively less explored area featuring the South Shore Cultural Center and Chicago's lakefront beach; the rainbow-colored beach houses of which have continuously drawn tourists and even photographers. The show portrays the lakefront area as a lively communal space featuring concerts, art festivals, and outdoor music events due to its proximity to the lake.

The show provides an insight into the architectural history of Chicago, featuring a significant engineering wonder, namely, the Union Station which is one of the busiest rail stations in the country. The station stands 17 stories tall, and its platforms are located over 18 tracks.

Aerial Cities season 1 episode 2 then takes the audience to Millennium Park, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Chicago. The Park is home to numerous sculptures including the famous Cloud Gate, or more popularly known as 'The Bean'. The show provides a 360-degree view of the park, illustrating its architectural importance and a brief history about the place.

The episode then moves on to portray the Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears football team, situated near Lake Michigan. The stadium has an extensive history as it was built in 1924 and revamped in 2003. The show highlights the unique design of the stadium- how it was constructed on the site of the first-ever National Football League (NFL) draft of 1936- and how it continues to cater to the city's passion for sports.

The episode concludes by showcasing various attractions around Chicago including the Navy Pier, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, and the John Hancock Tower. The show provides a glimpse into the structural engineering behind the John Hancock Tower, which was a significant engineering feat when built in 1968. Nay Pier is the destination for family fun with numerous attractions including a Ferris wheel, various local restaurants, and shops. The Michigan Avenue Bridge, often referred to as the DuSable Bridge, stands over the Chicago River and is significant for transportation.

In conclusion, Aerial Cities season 1 episode 2 illuminates Chicago's beauty from a high-angle perspective. The episode sheds light on the history of various landmarks, "paints" intricate images of the city's architecture, and provides a sneak-peek into the everyday lives of the people of Chicago. The episode successfully captures the essence of this beautiful and bustling city.