Building Big
Think big! Engineers have been doing just that for thousands of years, as renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay proves in this five-part miniseries on spectacular structures. The programs cover bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams, and tunnels-past and present. Along the way, Macaulay highlights the engineering principles and human stories behind some of the most remarkable achievements in the history of building.
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Cast
Seasons
- Ep 1
1.Bridges
03-10-2000How does a bridge withstand the forces of nature and traffic? Host David Macaulay takes viewers from the stone arch bridges of the Roman Empire to Japan's giant, all-steel Akashi K...
- Ep 2
2.Domes
10-10-2000How does a dome support itself? Ever since the Roman Emperor Hadrian topped his Pantheon with a dome, this roof-with-class has been the prestige building form. Big domes cover civi...
- Ep 3
3.Skyscrapers
17-10-2000What does it take to erect a skyscraper 100 stories tall? From the medieval towers of Italy's San Gimignano to today's race to build the world's tallest skyscraper, host David Maca...
- Ep 4
4.Dams
24-10-2000How does a dam resist the crush of millions of gallons of water? Host David Macaulay surveys the dam -- the biggest, costliest structure of all -- from Hoover's concrete arch confr...
- Ep 5
5.Tunnels
31-10-2000What keeps a tunnel from collapsing? Tunnels have advanced from dangerous, claustrophobic passages to spacious, safe subterranean networks as roomy as shopping malls. Host David Ma...
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