If We Built It Today

2 seasons available

Talking to architects, historians, engineers and builders to find out if modern-day innovations could be used to re-create masterpieces, or if fundamental techniques have been lost to time.
Empire State Building Decoded
S3 E1

The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for 40 years and 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.

Rebuilding the Hoover Dam
S3 E2

The 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.

Statue of Liberty Secrets
S3 E3

The 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 reimagine what the statue would look like if rebuilt to record-breaking new heights.

Fortress of Sound
S3 E4

For 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.

Secrets of Stonehenge
S3 E5

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.

Washington, DC Reborn
S2 E1

Washington, D.C., was built as the capital city of a new, revolutionary country, and it's home to some of America's greatest wonders; now, experts use cutting-edge engineering to reimagine what this place would look like if it had to be built again.

If We Built It Today
S2 E2

Talking to architects, historians, engineers, and builders to find out if modern-day innovations could be used to re-create iconic masterpieces, or if fundamental techniques have been lost to time.

Code of the Parthenon
S2 E3

The Parthenon is the crowning jewel of ancient Greek architecture, and it was engineered according to a mysterious mathematical formula; expert builders examine the secrets of its design and investigate if modern-day methods could rebuild it.

Resurrecting the Titanic
S2 E4

Experts use cutting-edge tech to discover if a modern vessel of equal opulence to the Titanic could be successfully built for the sea today.

Secrets of the Transcontinental
S2 E5

America's transcontinental railroad helped transform the United States into a global superpower; cutting-edge engineering is behind high-tech railways to once again revolutionize travel from sea to shining sea.

Legend of Machu Picchu
S2 E6

Machu Picchu is one of the greatest landmarks of world architecture, yet the purpose of its construction and how it was built still remains a mystery; experts use cutting-edge engineering to reveal what it would take to rebuild this legendary city.

Eiffel Tower Decoded
S2 E7

Architects, historians and engineers explore if modern day innovations could be applied to re-create iconic building projects, or if fundamental construction techniques have been lost to time.

Engineering the Home
S2 E8

From ancient cave dwellings to massive multi-winged estates, the home has never stopped evolving; now, experts mix modern materials with state-of-the-art technology to reveal if a modern home can be constructed to truly stand the test of time.