updated 1-17-21 with more information
With the large amount of people that work in the construction industry and the high visibility of many of these projects, I’m always amazed that television networks never spent any time developing shows about it. The Smithsonian Channel, however, is about to premiere a new show, dedicated to the design and construction of some of the world’s most fascinating structures and the first episode aired on Sunday, January 3rd, 2021.
There isn’t a ton of information available about “How Did they Build That?” – the title of the show – but the website explains:
“ Across the globe, radical architects, ingenious engineers, and skilled builders are creating structures so outrageous, they defy logic...and often even gravity. From a Manhattan skyscraper that looks like a Jenga tower to a Singapore glass dome big enough to house a mountain to a high rise in Italy with a built-in forest, we examine the world's most extraordinary buildings, bridges, and lifts, reveal their design secrets, and discover the incredible stories of their construction as we try to answer the question: How Did They Build That?”
The first episode covered Cantilevers and lifts, with a focus on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, which is located in China. The description also mentions other structures located in Manhattan, New York and Paris, France.
The second episode, titled Towers and Roofs, will highlight structures built in Manhattan, Athens, and Signapore.
The only available video I could find is a 10 second advertisement, which you can watch below:
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.