NOVA: Engineering Ground Zero

The rebirth of the World Trade Center site is one of the most affirming stories of the 21st century. Nearly a decade later, the site of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil is now one of the largest and most complex construction projects on the planet—and PBS’ premier science series NOVA is uniquely equipped to tell the tale of engineering this icon. In a film to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9/11, NOVA chronicles an uplifting and inherently American story of technology, innovation, and daring.

With extraordinary access granted by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NOVA captures the behind-the-scenes struggle of architects and engineers to make the buildings safe and highly secure under the pressures of a tight schedule, the demands of practical office space and efficient “green” architecture, and the public’s expectations of a fitting site for national remembrance. Engineering Ground Zero brings to life the story to date–profiling the men and women whose hard work and ingenuity have made the rebuilding process possible and spotlighting the pioneering science and materials that may redefine how skyscrapers are built and designed to be safer.

NOVA: Engineering Ground Zero premieres Wednesday, September 7 at 9:00 p.m. on WCVE PBS/WHTJ PBS.