In Season 5, Episode 10 of How Did They Build That?, Design Principal Kim Van Holsbeke and Structural Engineering Principal Preetam Biswas explore the design and engineering challenges of Manhattan West—an entirely new mixed-use neighborhood built above active railroad tracks where minimal buildable land existed. 

Decades in the making, Manhattan West is one of the largest and most complex developments in New York City’s recent history. The project transforms a previously underdeveloped district into an entirely new neighborhood with offices, residences, hospitality, retail, and a public plaza. Through a complex synthesis of planning, architecture, and engineering, Manhattan West navigates extremely challenging sites above active rail lines, where the most dramatic complexities lie below grade.

The episode premiered on Smithsonian Channel on October 5 and is available to stream on Paramount+.