How Did They Build That? Season 1 Episode 2 Towers & Roofs

How Did They Build That? is an informative and inspiring show that takes a close look at the construction process behind some of the world's most impressive structures. In season 1, episode 2, titled "Towers & Roofs", viewers are taken on a journey to explore the design and build process of some of the most iconic towers and roofs across the globe.

The episode starts off with an introduction to the engineering behind the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Viewers are shown how the tower was constructed during the 1880s for the World's Fair, and how each piece of steel had to be precisely crafted and assembled on site. The team behind the tower had to overcome many obstacles, including creating a design that could withstand the strong winds that are common in Paris. The episode explores the incredible structural feats that made this iconic landmark possible.

Next, the episode moves on to explore the Empire State Building in New York City, which still stands as an architectural marvel 80 years after it was first built. Viewers are shown how this towering structure was designed and constructed during the Great Depression, and how its design impacted the cityscape of New York. Builders had to overcome unique challenges, including figuring out how to safely transport materials up to the 86th floor, which was the highest level of the building that was open to the public until the recent addition of the observation deck on the 102nd floor.

The third segment of the episode focuses on the construction of the Burj Khalifa, which stands as the tallest building in the world today. Viewers are taken up close to the building's design, exploring how engineers and builders worked together to create this record-breaking structure in Dubai. The process involved creating a unique foundation that could support the massive weight of the building, using innovative materials like steel and concrete, and accounting for the extreme temperatures of the desert environment.

Following the exploration of modern towers, the episode moves on to examine the roofs of some of the world's most impressive buildings. The first roof that is explored is that of the Sydney Opera House. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how this iconic structure's unique design makes it such a visually stunning work of engineering. The roof's unusual shape and tessellated design required a special construction approach using prefabricated sections. Additionally, the episode examines the complexity of the acoustic engineering and how they maintain the world-class quality sound experience.

The episode then moves on to focus on the roof of the Minnesota Vikings' US Bank Stadium. Viewers are shown how this stadium's unique feature is its sloping roofline, which makes it stand out in the city skyline. The roof of this stadium required hundreds of steel beams and an intricate cable system to keep it securely in place, along with a translucent material that allows natural light to filter in. The episode also touches on how the roof's design impacts the field's turf.

Lastly, the episode examines the roof of the British Museum's Great Court in London. The team behind this museum's renovation project had to figure out how to bring natural light into the deep recesses of the museum while preserving the historical integrity of the original building's architecture. The resulting roof, made of glass and steel, is a stunning architectural feature of this world-renowned museum.

Overall, How Did They Build That? season 1, episode 2, "Towers & Roofs", provides an in-depth look into the fascinating world of engineering and construction. By exploring the designs and constructions of some of the world's most iconic towers and roofs, viewers are given a new appreciation for the incredible feats of engineering that make our modern world possible.