Title:
Treasures or Trash?
Author(s):
Antonio M. Garcia
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
17
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
48-53
Keywords:
bridges (structures); economics; engineering; esthetics; structural design; General
DOI:
Date:
8/1/1995
Abstract:
Monumental bridges get all the attention, while short and medium span bridges are visible to many more people. Yet in spite of their number and visibility, designers and clients tend to ignore their potential aesthetic contribution. Today, however, as society's interest in our urban centers and the quality of life engendered rises, the potential demand for aesthetically pleasing bridges also rises. Engineers must abandon their "erector set" mentality in their design and think of bridges as urban sculptures. Both clients and designers also must understand and accept that the real challenge lies in creating an economically aesthetically proportioned bridges; not in producing cheap and ugly bridges.