High-Risk High-Rise -
nova

Over the past few decades, the number of skyscrapers worldwide has climbed dramatically. And as developers look to maximize limited urban space, and nations vie for prestige, these shimmering towers are being built higher and higher. In China alone, dozens of buildings rise to over 1,000 feet, with a few approaching 2,000 feet. But for all their impressive engineering, are these buildings safe? And are building regulations keeping up with the soaring heights of new structures? In San Francisco, skyscrapers can be built on unstable, sinking ground. And internal sprinkler systems are the only hope for extinguishing fires that burn beyond the reach of firefighters' ladders. Now, NOVA explores the science behind the risks of sky-high buildings, from the structural limits of building materials to the threats presented by wind, fire, and earthquakes. Experts show how the science of evacuation has shaped buildings in recent years, and what we have-and haven't-learned from past tragedies.

Duration: 56 minutes and 46 seconds

Episode Number: 4808

No future air times were found for this episode.

About Nova:

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines.

Along the way, NOVA programs demystify science and technology and highlight the people involved in scientific pursuits.

Watch Nova - Clips, Episodes & Previews

Lice and Human Evolution

Profile: Andre Fenton

What's the Next Big Thing? Preview

Replacing Body Parts

Can My Car Live Forever?

How Your Brain Interprets Color

Future Broadcast times for "Nova": (show all)

Tue, Sep 22	7:00 P.M.	The Battle to Breathe NH World (11.3)
Wed, Sep 23	12:00 A.M.	The Battle to Breathe NH World (11.3)
Wed, Sep 23	8:00 A.M.	The Battle to Breathe NH World (11.3)
Wed, Sep 23	9:00 P.M.	Knowledge Keepers NHPBS (11.1)
Thu, Sep 24	1:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NHPBS (11.1)
Fri, Sep 25	3:00 P.M.	Knowledge Keepers NHPBS (11.1)
Sat, Sep 26	1:00 P.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Sep 27	12:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NHPBS (11.1)
Sun, Sep 27	4:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Sep 27	7:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NHPBS (11.1)
Sun, Sep 27	8:00 P.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Sep 28	1:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH Explore (11.2)
Tue, Sep 29	7:00 P.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH World (11.3)
Wed, Sep 30	12:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH World (11.3)
Wed, Sep 30	8:00 A.M.	Knowledge Keepers NH World (11.3)
Wed, Sep 30	9:00 P.M.	Stone Age Masterpiece NHPBS (11.1)