Skip to main content

How one design flaw almost toppled a skyscraper - Alex Gendler

  • 524,377 Views
  • 1,580 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.

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

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
  • See more creators
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.
Avatar for Sazia Afrin
Lesson Creator
New York, New York, United States
Do you think LeMessurier and city officials were right to keep the problem from the public? What could they have done instead?

12/10/2020
Avatar for Ana Compton
Ana Compton • COMPLETED LESSON

I feel like if they had broadcasted it to the public it would cause a mass panic. The news would probably reach the other side of the country. The could have only told the people who'd be directly impacted (like the people who worked there) but they would probably spread the news to the rest of the city. All in all I think keeping it a secret was probably their best option in order to avoid lots of legal stuff. Morally, pretty bad though. I feel like the 10 mile radius evacuation plan should have been ready to go in a moments notice in case of any storm, not just a hurricane.

05/14/2021
Avatar for Ana Compton
Ana Compton • COMPLETED LESSON

But idk though so yeah

05/14/2021 • 
IN RESPONSE TO  Show the comment
Avatar for Srilekha  S
Srilekha S • LESSON IN PROGRESS

I believe that if the strong hurricane came to the city means it would definitely destroyed the building. Luckily, it saved the Citicorp Centre from immense disaster by veered to sea. They can alert the people by telling the truth. This is my opinion about it.

06/04/2021
Avatar for Pyae Pyae Kyaw Thann
Pyae Pyae Kyaw Thann • LESSON IN PROGRESS

Yes, I think so. At that time, they are not finished with their fixing plan

08/04/2021 • 
IN RESPONSE TO  Show the comment

Customize This Lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

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
  • See more creators

More from The World's People and Places