Film Lens
This documentary examines how buildings like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Europa Towers in Madrid manage to stand upright despite their unique challenges. It focuses on the importance of foundations and the ground beneath structures, using the Leaning Tower as a primary example. The tower, built in Pisa starting in 1173, began to lean due to the soft clay soil, which was sensitive to groundwater changes. The film explains the historical context of its construction and the engineering solutions that were applied over the centuries to address the tilt.
The documentary also shows modern engineering feats, such as the Toyota Carolla in Barcelona, showcasing how innovative materials like Kevlar are used in construction. By comparing ancient and modern structures, it illustrates the evolution of engineering techniques and the ongoing quest to balance beauty and functionality in architecture.
Why Watch
- •See how the Leaning Tower began to tilt after just one floor.
- •Find out why construction was halted for a century.
- •Meet the engineers who solved the tower's leaning problem.
Did You Know
•The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built to a height of 179 feet.
•Construction of the Leaning Tower stopped in 1178 and resumed 100 years later.
•The tower's weight reached 9,500 tons by the time it was four floors high.
•The soil beneath the Leaning Tower is soft clay, which is highly compressible.
Perfect For
Architecture enthusiastsHistory buffsEngineering students