If We Built It Today
2019 · Science · 60 min · 3 seasons
S03E05 · Secrets of Stonehenge
Thu, 18 Nov, 1:00 pm
Stonehenge is an astonishing achievement of ancient construction that continues to baffle engineers thousands of years later; now, experts use the latest science to discover the logistics behind erecting another legendary monument today.
About
The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Colosseum, the Great Wall of China, the Notre Dame Cathedral. What would it take to build these remarkable super structures today? How long would it take? How much would it cost? How many workers would we need? In our modern era of glass and steel, could we even pull it off? If We Built It Today talks to architects, historians, engineers, and builders to find out if we could use modern day innovations to recreate these iconic masterpieces, or if fundamental techniques have been lost to time.
Episodes
- E01
Empire State Building Decoded
Thu, 14 Oct· 60 minThe Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for 40 years and was constructed faster than any skyscraper in history; now, experts use cutting-edge engineering to discover if a new mega-tall tower could be built today at record speed.
- E02
Rebuilding the Hoover Dam
Thu, 21 Oct· 60 minThe Hoover Dam was an epic engineering experiment that created an oasis of American opportunity during the darkest decade of the 20th century; modern engineers believe reconstructing it may hold the secret solution to renewable energy innovation.
- E03
Statue of Liberty Secrets
Thu, 28 Oct· 60 minThe Statue of Liberty is an artistic wonder of construction and the most famous symbol of freedom in the world; now, experts use cutting-edge engineering to reimage what America's greatest icon would look like rebuilt to record-breaking new heights.
- E04
Fortress of Sound
Thu, 4 Nov· 60 minFor centuries, concert halls have been precisely designed and engineered to shape the best possible sound for acoustic performance; now, experts use state-of-the-art science to discover how the next generation of concert halls could be constructed.
- E05
Secrets of Stonehenge
Thu, 18 Nov· 60 minStonehenge is an astonishing achievement of ancient construction that continues to baffle engineers thousands of years later; now, experts use the latest science to discover the logistics behind erecting another legendary monument today.
Cast
Brian Mitchell
Narrator