Richard Hammond's Big

Richard examines the common elements that underpin engineering projects. He then explains how the difficulties intensify when construction is undertaken on a massive scale.

Mankind's Biggest Builds is a television programme presented as an episode that looks at the world’s most ambitious engineering endeavours. The show is structured around a single presenter who guides the audience through the concepts and difficulties that arise when humanity attempts to construct monumental works. In the first part of the episode, Richard examines the fundamental elements that all engineering projects share. He points out the recurring principles, such as design planning, material selection and the need for precise coordination, that underpin everything from modest bridges to towering skyscrapers. The focus then shifts to the impact of scale. Richard explains how the obstacles become markedly more complex when a project moves from ordinary size to a truly massive undertaking. Issues such as logistical coordination, resource management and technical risk all intensify as the scope expands. By the end of the programme, viewers are left with a clear picture of why the challenges of building on a grand scale are far greater than those of smaller works. Richard’s step‑by‑step breakdown makes the subject accessible, showing how each additional layer of magnitude adds new hurdles that engineers must overcome.