Ep 5. Biggest Dome

Superstructures: Engineering Marvels season 1 episode 5 explores one of the most impressive feats of architecture and engineering: the biggest dome in the world. From the Pantheon in Rome to the Astrodome in Houston, this episode takes viewers on a journey through history, examining how the dome has been used to create awe-inspiring structures throughout the centuries.

The episode begins by looking at the Pantheon, a temple built in 27 BCE by the Romans that still stands to this day. The Pantheon's dome was the largest in the world at the time of its construction, and it remains one of the most impressive architectural achievements of ancient Rome. Viewers learn about the engineering practices used to build the Pantheon, including the use of concrete and the design of the dome's coffered ceiling.

Moving forward in time, the episode examines the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, which boasts a dome that is still the largest in the world. With a diameter of over 42 meters and a height of 138 feet, the St. Peter's Basilica dome incorporates several engineering innovations that allowed it to be built in the 16th century. These innovations included the use of a wooden model to test the dome's stability and the addition of iron chains to reinforce the structure.

The episode also delves into more recent examples of dome engineering, including the Astrodome in Houston, which was built in the 1960s as the first domed stadium in the world. Viewers learn about the challenges faced by engineers in constructing a stadium with a roof that could be opened and closed, as well as the environmental benefits that the Astrodome's dome provided.

But the focus of the episode is on the current largest dome in the world, the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. With a footprint of over 54,000 square feet and a height of 170 feet, the Faisal Mosque is a stunning example of modern engineering. Viewers learn about the challenges faced by the engineers and architects who designed and built the mosque, including the use of complex geometry and materials like white marble and travertine.

Throughout the episode, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the history and engineering principles behind the dome, as well as the ways in which this architectural feature has been used to create some of the most incredible structures in the world. Superstructures: Engineering Marvels season 1 episode 5 is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, engineering, or the ways in which human creativity can shape our built environment.