Synopsis

Each day 180,000 people move into a city somewhere on the planet. James May investigates how the high-rise urban living condition was created.

Further Information

More clips from James May's 20th Century

01: Honey I Shrunk the World | James May's 20th Century

James May discovers how planes, cars, televisions and computers made our world seem a whole lot smaller.

02: Blast Off! | James May's 20th Century

James May investigates what the Space Race did for all of us who never got a chance to blast off into orbit.

03: Body Fantastic | James May's 20th Century

James May discovers just how far he can push his body, exploring some of the most remarkable medical advances over the last hun...

04: Take Cover! | James May's 20th Century

James May investigates some of the most ingenious ideas to emerge from 20th century warfare, flying in the RAF's latest supersonic...

05: Inventing the Teenager | James May's 20th Century

During the 20th century teenagers evolved to the point of almost becoming a separate species. James May is on a journey...

Why Do Cats Have Nine Lives? | James May's Things You Need to Know

James May explains about speed, using a fast-moving mix of animation and graphics. Here he explores why te...

S01E01 | James May's Cars of the People

James May discovers how cars became an everyday part of people's lives. His journey begins in Europe, where he reveals a tale of war,...

S01E06: Music | Dara O'Briain's Science Club

Dara O Briain and his expert team examine the science behind music. James May explores how music is linked to our emotions and M...

Creating moulds | James May's Man Lab

James re-forms some impractical kitchen items into the perfect lemon squeezer in his very own foundry.

01: Honey I Shrunk the World | James May's 20th Century

James May discovers how planes, cars, televisions and computers made our world seem a whole lot smaller.