If We Built It Today Season 3 Episode 3 Statue of Liberty Secrets
- October 27, 2021
- 41 min
If We Built It Today is a show that explores some of the world's most significant architectural wonders and how they would be constructed in modern times with current technology. The third season of the show features some of the most iconic landmarks of the United States, including the Statue of Liberty. In episode 3 of If We Built It Today season 3, the team explores the Statue of Liberty Secrets.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States, standing tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was gifted to the United States by France in 1886, as a symbol of their alliance during the American Revolution. The copper statue stands at 305 feet tall, including the pedestal, and has become an icon of American freedom and democracy.
The episode begins with a brief history of the Statue of Liberty, discussing its origins and the significance it holds for the American people. The team then moves on to discuss the challenges of constructing such a massive statue in modern times, especially when it comes to the materials used. The original statue was constructed using copper sheets, which are prone to corrosion and cracking over time. The team must determine if there are any alternative materials that could be used for a new statue that would be more durable and long-lasting.
The team also examines the base of the statue, which consists of a massive pedestal that supports the 225-ton statue. The pedestal was designed by American architect Richard Morris Hunt and took 4 years to construct. The team must consider the foundation of the pedestal and whether it can withstand the potential impact of natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes.
In addition to examining the construction of the statue, the team also delves into the secrets and mysteries surrounding it. One of the most intriguing secrets is the possibility that there is a hidden chamber inside the statue. There have been rumors for years that there is an inaccessible room inside the statue's pedestal, which was built to house the machinery used to operate the statue's torch. The team must investigate whether there is any truth to this rumor and, if so, what secrets may be hidden inside.
The episode concludes with the team presenting its findings and recommendations for building a modern-day version of the Statue of Liberty. They present their alternative materials and offer suggestions for reinforcing the pedestal's foundation, ensuring that any new statue will last far into the future. As for the hidden chamber, the team presents their findings on whether or not the chamber exists and what it may hold.
Overall, this episode of If We Built It Today provides a fascinating look at one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. It explores the challenges of constructing such a massive statue in modern times while also uncovering some of the secrets and mysteries surrounding it. The team's recommendations for building a new statue provide valuable insight into the construction industry and the advances in technology that have taken place since the statue's original construction.