Bridge Design

A
beautiful thing to look at is a finely engineered, modestly proportioned bridge-
a system whose structure develops its aesthetic.  The initial design problem is purely
functional- to get across the water!  The
style of bridge is chosen, and by the completion of the design, the engineering
has made all major aesthetic decisions for a structure that will likely stand more
than half a century. 

While in London a few years back I had the opportunity to see Norman Foster's Millennium Bridge and was very impressed by the design- the structure in defining the bridge and the use of scale was brilliant!  The detailing was very impressive, beautiful
metal work and the connections… amazing connections!  The bridge seemed to float lightly, resting
at points along the span.  Finely cast
steel plates bolted together, providing both structure and detailing at these
points.  Over the length of the bridge
the structural lines were drawn across, developing the geometry for the design. 

There
were great views to be had from all angles and in the evening the structure is lit
up!