Big Bigger Biggest

Series One

Documentary

National Geographic / Madman

R4 DVD

This DVD is one of the National Geographic catalogue now being distributed in Australia by Madman. It deals with engineers’ attempts to build bigger, and the problems they strike when they try. Many attempts do not work the first time but they learn from those techniques that do and use them to build better next time.

Typically the documentary identifies seven steps forward that make each structure possible. While this is a bit contrived, it shows how a whole series of advances can come together at a fortuitous time to build the structure. An example is the development of suspension bridges to replace stone arches, the development of wire rope to replace chains holding suspension bridges, combined with the use of box girders to produce a lighter structure.

Series One covers bridges, skyscrapers, aircraft carriers and airports. Series Two carries the range further. Each episode is heavily CGI-oriented as you would expect with such a complex subject. The graphics are well done and show the subject clearly, making complex engineering principles and problems easy to understand.

This sort of documentary is valuable. Its balance is perfect. It is fascinating enough to stimulate the interest of kids and get them away from the simplistic rubbish that passes for entertainment today. It is complex enough to hold the interest of adults and teach them more of the world they live in. Top marks to National Geographic.

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