Watch Building Giants

Building Giants is a television series that premiered on Science Channel back in 2018. The show is a comprehensive retelling of the construction process of some of the world's most awe-inspiring and eye-catching man-made structures. The show aims to demonstrate the intricacies and difficulties of creating these constructions while also offering insights into the design process.

The show was supported by three main cast members: Julian Barratt, Avrey Martin, and Erleen Hatfield. Julian Barratt, who is known for his work as an actor, comedian, and musician, hosts the show. He brings his humor and wit to the series while also providing an overarching narrative to the story of the building projects. Avrey Martin, on the other hand, is a structural engineer and an expert in the field of designing skyscrapers. Her expertise makes her an essential part of the show as she guides the viewers through the complexities of construction. Erleen Hatfield is an architect and a specialist in the design of transportation-related structures such as bridges and tunnels. Her involvement in the show gives a new dimension to the construction process, as viewers get to understand the aesthetic and functional aspects of the structures.

Throughout the series, Building Giants explores a wide range of structures – from bridges and tunnels to skyscrapers and roller coasters. Each episode focuses on a different project, and the showrunners set out to investigate what makes each specific project truly unique. The first season of the show comprises six episodes, each of which delves into the intricacies of construction of a particular structure. The second season has five more episodes, with each focusing on a new project.

One of the episodes in season one highlights the tallest bridge in the world, located in China. The program covers the construction process from the beginning, showing how the construction team created two 320-meter high towers that would support the bridge deck between them. Notably, the episode emphasizes the importance of wind-resistant design for such structures. Avrey Martin goes into great detail about designing for wind resistance – a critical aspect in building skyscrapers and bridges.

Another episode in season one takes viewers behind the scenes of the creation of the New York Wheel, which will be the tallest ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere when completed. The show delves into the engineering challenges for such a structure, such as designing the massive bearings which enable rotation without metal fatigue, and the canopy’s design which requires the use of state-of-the-art aluminum compounds.

In season two, the show explores a range of new projects. One of the episodes focuses on the $1.4 billion New Orleans Surge Barrier, a massive flood defense system that protects New Orleans from impending storms. Throughout the episode, the team explores the unique challenges involved in building such a structure on water, which requires innovative construction methods to prevent natural disasters. The episode also highlights how cutting-edge technology and simulation can be utilized to accurately predict the potential risks and difficulties of such large-scale projects.

Another episode features the tallest wooden building in Sweden, featuring innovative construction methods that are both sustainable and economical. The show delves into the unique features of wooden buildings, including the intricate joinery techniques, which can be relatively simple to implement but incredibly high quality. The team also shows how prefabrication and modularization can speed up construction time and save money.

Overall, Building Giants is an informative and entertaining documentary series that provides viewers with an insight into the minds of the designers, architects, and construction workers who make these architectural feats possible. The show is an excellent way to gain an appreciation for the intricate procedures involved in building these unique structures while also learning about the scientific and technological innovations that make modern-day engineering what it is today.

Building Giants is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (33 episodes). The series first aired on January 4, 2018.