Project Blueprint

The Empire State Building

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How was the world’s tallest building constructed in just 1 year and 45 days? 

 

When the Empire State Building opened on May 1st, 1931 it stood as the tallest building in the world. It would hold that record for an unprecedented 40 years. Built ahead of schedule and under budget, it remains today an icon of American ambition. 

 

In this episode of Project Blueprint, discover how an unlikely partnership between an automobile magnate and a New York politician created an architectural icon. This is a story of Art Deco design, ruthless competition, and a construction battle waged at breakneck speed. Join us as we trace how the world’s most famous skyscraper went from bold idea to enduring legend.

 

What You’ll Learn:

  • How a failed presidential bid kickstarted the 20th century’s greatest construction project 
  • The inspiration behind the building’s Art Deco design 
  • Why logistics made the difference between success and failure
  • How a record-breaking project can finish on time and under budget

    •  

    0:00:00 — Introduction

     

    0:03:48 — Boom of the 20s

     

    0:11:50 — An Unlikely Partnership


    0:29:51 — The Site

     

    0:42:48 — The Architects

     

    1:12:26 — The Competition

     

    1:31:01 — The Builders

     

    1:58:53 — Construction

     

    2:29:48 — Legacy

     

    2:43:17 — Analysis




    Links:

    • Construction Footage
    • Interviews with the Builders
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      Project BlueprintBy Will Heinzel and Stephen Lasky