Engineering by Catastrophe
8.0Returning SeriesDocumentary

Engineering by Catastrophe

Engineering by Catastrophe explores how today’s most advanced structures are shaped by the disasters of the past. From spacecraft and skyscrapers to tunnels and flood barriers, each episode unpacks the engineering innovations behind modern marvels - and the catastrophic failures that inspired them.

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5. Rise of the Supertalls

8.0Jun 21, 2026

The fall of the Twin Towers in 2001 reshaped skyscraper design, sparking global safety reforms rather than ending tall buildings. New standards and shared knowledge have fueled a boom in the supertalls rising in 71 cities. Icons like One World Trade Center and the Burj Khalifa stand on lessons learned from past failures.