World Trade Center: Anatomy of the Collapse

Providing insight into some of the scientific and structural reasons why the World Trade Center twin towers fell following the commandeered plane attacks by terrorists on September 11, 2001, World Trade Center: Anatomy of the Collapse draws on commentary from a diverse range of interviewees, including firemen, scholars, an elevator operator, the president of the World Trade Centers Association, New Yorker architecture critic Paul Goldberger, and structural engineers. Viewers will learn that some of the initial design features--such as the open floor plans--combined with economically thrifty decisions made during the building of the WTC would eventually be a factor in the demise of the towers. Built in a "tube structure," using pre-fabricated paneling, at the rate of three floors every two weeks, the construction of the WTC towers was a model of efficiency; however, post-9/11 analysis of building plans and debris patterns establish that failure of trusses, lack of adequate fireproofing, and blocked off escape routes for those on floors located above the impact of the airplanes all contributed to the swift disintegration of the towers and the tremendous loss of life. Combining CGI graphics, dramatic footage, and interview clips, the program offers an excellent overview of the logical reasons behind the collapse of the twin towers, while reminding us that the designers of the WTC never envisioned the nightmare scenario that transpired on 9/11. A poignant, thorough examination, this is a perfect complement to WGBH's superb Why the Towers Fell (VL-9/02). Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams)