Build It Bigger

Build It Bigger is an educational and engaging television series that aired on Science Channel from 2006 to 2011. The show’s premise, unraveling the design and construction of the world's largest and most iconic engineering projects, presents viewers with a unique and exciting perspective on structures that shape our world.

The show captivates its audience with the charismatic presentation of Danny Forster, an architect and journalist, who serves as the dynamic guide throughout our explorations of the built world. Known for his genuine enthusiasm and profound knowledge, Forster brings the observer into the heart of large-scale engineering, exceeding expectations of an ordinary documentarian by participating hands-on in the construction processes. He allows audiences to vicariously experience the extraordinary complexities and challenges of each unique construction project.

A typical episode of the show takes viewers through every phase of designing and constructing an awe-inspiring engineering project. With a global perspective, projects dissected by the show range from the world’s largest passenger plane in Toulouse, France, to the deepest underground copper mine in Santiago, Chile, to the tallest skyscraper in Dubai. These projects are not just stunningly large in scale, but often they also incorporate groundbreaking engineering solutions that push the boundaries of what is considered possible.

The essential highlight of Build It Bigger is its complete deconstruction of each featured project, breaking things down to a level even the layman can understand. Forster, with unprecedented access to blueprints, engineers, and the actual construction process, explains the rationale behind each design decision. He discusses the challenges encountered during construction, showcasing the often-underappreciated solutions that engineers have come up with to surmount these obstacles.

The show champions not just the marvels of engineering, but the human spirit and tenacity behind these architectural wonders. It underscores the courage and persistence required by engineers, designers, and building crews who often work under high-risk conditions, coping with daunting geographic locations, harsh weather conditions, and tight construction timelines. The show acknowledges and celebrates the tireless dedication and innovation of these individuals, highlighting that these spectacular structures are the tangible results of human ingenuity and resilience.

With its impressive computer-generated imagery and on-the-ground camera crews, Build It Bigger effectively transports viewers to various sites across the globe while ensuring the technical aspects covered are entirely comprehensible. The graphics used in the show are both informative and visually appealing, providing viewers with a virtual tour inside the compositions of buildings, bridges, ships, and more. This impressive visualization helps viewers comprehend complex engineering jargon and appreciate the full magnitude of the projects.

Moreover, Build It Bigger, with its accessible narrative and explanatory strategies, also promotes an understanding of the wider socio-economic implications of these massive construction projects. The show explores how these projects influence the local community, the regional infrastructure, and even the global economy. It uncovers how these structures can be an embodiment of national pride, symbols of economic growth, or even drivers of regional development.

Forster’s questioning and candid style ensure that the series reaches beyond the realms of engineering and construction fanatics. Even those with no prior interest or understanding of engineering can find engagement in the stories, largely due to Forster’s ability to humanize the technical aspects and make clear the real-world impact of these mega-structures.

In summary, Build It Bigger is an informative, exhilarating, and down-to-earth exploration of the science and struggle involved in creating the world's most ambitious architectural projects. It validates suburban structures, underground tunnels, record-breaking bridges, and skyscraping towers as elaborate works of engineering mastery, worthy of viewers' appreciation and fascination. The series turns infrastructure and mega-construction into thrilling adventures, guaranteed to leave you more curious and inspired about the built world around you.