How one design flaw almost toppled a skyscraper - Alex Gendler
858,544 Views
4,723 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In 1978, Diane Hartley was writing her undergraduate architecture thesis when she made a shocking discovery. After weeks of poring over the Citicorp Center’s building plans, she’d stumbled on an oversight that threatened to topple the 59-story tower into one of New York City’s most densely populated districts. Alex Gendler digs into the skyscraper’s potentially deadly mistake.
WatchThink 5 Multiple Choice &
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
0 Open Discussions
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 1 Guided Discussion &
0 Open Discussions
Additional Resources for you to Explore
The Citicorp Tower is now officially known as 601 Lexington, but its history is now used as a case study in architectural and professional ethics. You can read about William LeMesurrier and his other work, learn more about the near-disaster, read the original New Yorker article, or find out more about Diane Hartley, including an interview.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Director Nicholas Paim
- Educator Alex Gendler
- Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
- Storyboard Artist Alopra Studio
- Animator Alopra Studio
- Art Director Nicholas Paim
- Music Stephen LaRosa
- Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
- Production Coordinator Abdallah Ewis
- Fact-Checker Eden Girma
