How Did They Build That? Season 1 Episode 7 Sky Gardens & Seismic Stations

How Did They Build That? takes an in-depth look at some of the most impressive engineering feats around the world. In season 1 episode 7, titled "Sky Gardens & Seismic Stations," the focus is on two very different types of buildings: one built in the heart of a bustling city, and the other in the middle of a remote wilderness. Despite their differences, these buildings share a common goal: to create safe, sustainable spaces for people to live and work.

First up is the sky garden, a stunning oasis nestled high above the streets of London. The garden is part of a larger development called the Walkie Talkie building, which was completed in 2014. At 155 meters tall, the building is one of the tallest in London and has a unique curved shape that allows for the creation of the sky garden. The garden itself is a public space that features an indoor garden, cafes, and stunning views of the city. It's a popular tourist destination and an impressive example of how architects and engineers can create green spaces in the midst of a bustling city.

The episode interviews the architects and designers who worked on the Walkie Talkie building, and discusses the challenges they faced in creating a curved tower. They also delve into the engineering behind the sky garden itself, which required innovative solutions to provide natural light and ventilation for the plants inside. Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse of the intricate planning and construction that went into creating this unique building.

The second feature of the episode takes place in a very different location: the wilderness of British Columbia, Canada. There, engineers have built a series of remote seismic stations to monitor natural disasters like earthquakes and avalanches. These stations are equipped with sophisticated sensors that can detect even the slightest movements in the earth, helping to predict and mitigate potential disasters.

The episode introduces viewers to the engineers and technicians who maintain these stations, many of which are only accessible by helicopter or snowmobile. They discuss the challenges of working in such a remote location and the importance of their work in protecting nearby communities from harm. Along the way, the episode dives deep into the technology behind these seismic stations, including the use of GPS and wireless communication to transmit data back to scientists and researchers.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of both the Walkie Talkie building and the rugged wilderness of British Columbia. The show uses a combination of interviews, animations, and on-site footage to provide a comprehensive look at these two very different types of engineering projects. By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained a newfound appreciation for the careful planning and execution required to build such impressive structures, and an understanding of the important role they play in our lives.