If We Built It Today Season 2 Episode 7 Eiffel Tower Decoded

If We Built It Today is a popular television series that explores how iconic structures from the past would be built if they were being constructed for the first time today. In season 2, episode 7, entitled "Eiffel Tower Decoded," the show focuses on one of the most recognizable structures in the world - the Eiffel Tower.

The episode begins with a brief history of the tower, from its conception to its construction in the late 19th century. The Eiffel Tower was built as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris, France. It was initially planned to be a temporary structure, but it quickly became a symbol of French ingenuity and a landmark of the city.

The episode then switches to the present day, where a team of engineers, architects, and historians are brought together to imagine how the Eiffel Tower would be built today. They face a difficult task as the tower is a complicated structure with a rich history and cultural significance.

The team starts by examining the tower's original blueprints and discovering that the plans were incredibly detailed, with every detail of the tower carefully planned out. The builders of the original Eiffel Tower used the latest technology of their time to build it, including steam-powered machines and cranes. But with today's technology, the team is able to use modern construction equipment, such as 3D printers, to build a more efficient and precise version of the tower.

The team also addresses some of the criticisms of the Eiffel Tower, such as its perceived ugliness and lack of historical significance. They argue that the Eiffel Tower was actually a marvel of engineering at the time it was built and that it represents a significant turning point in architectural history.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the discussion of the tower's color. The original Eiffel Tower was painted a reddish-brown color, but the tower we see today is painted a deep brown color. The team discusses the possibility of painting the tower in different colors to see how it would look. They also explore the possibility of using advanced materials that would give the tower a more modern aesthetic.

Throughout the episode, the team faces various challenges, from figuring out how to transport the massive steel beams of the tower to finding the perfect location to build the structure. But through collaboration and creativity, they are able to overcome these challenges and construct a modern-day version of the Eiffel Tower.

The episode concludes with a stunning view of the completed tower, which stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of both the original builders of the tower and the team that built it today. Whether you're a fan of history, engineering, or architecture, "Eiffel Tower Decoded" is an entertaining and educational episode that explores the iconic landmark from a new perspective.