How one design flaw almost toppled a skyscraper | Alex Gendler

In 1978, Diana Hartley discovered a critical flaw in the Citicorp Center's design while working on her thesis. The building, constructed on stilts due to a church at its base, was vulnerable to corner winds. Hartley's findings led to secret reinforcements of the building's structure, which were completed amidst a newspaper strike, keeping the public unaware. The story was only revealed in 1995, highlighting Hartley's role in preventing a potential disaster.

What was the shocking discovery made by Diana Hartley while writing her thesis?

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What unique design feature did the Citicorp Center have that raised concerns about its stability?

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What precautions did the chief structural engineer take to ensure the building's stability?

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How did the change in construction materials affect the Citicorp Center's ability to withstand strong winds?

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What was the public's reaction to the near disaster of the Citicorp Center, and when did they learn about it?

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