Product Description

An updated classic on designing both functional and visually stunning bridges.

This highly visual guide to understanding and using aesthetics in the design of bridges is now available in a second edition. You'll find updated bridge examples, improved photographs, and more technical depth for serious engineering study. New case studies of bridges currently underway provide real-world coverage, with an emphasis on the relationship between design problems, planning, and solutions, along with structural and cost challenges. Featuring a larger page size to better highlight the detailed illustrations and photos, this edition's entirely new coverage includes:

• Discussion on the "whys" behind various recommendations.
• New material on moveable bridges.
• Ways to respond to the structural and cost challenges involved in construction.
• Integration of Context-Sensitive Design/Context-Sensitive Solutions (CSD/CSS) into the design process.
• Twelve new case studies of bridges, with an emphasis on the relationship between design problems and planning their solutions.
• Information on the contribution of bridge aesthetics to environmental impact studies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1001973 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 328 pages

Review
"…is a must-have for bridge designers and for anyone who aspires to be one." (Civil Engineering; January 2005)

"It's well written, opinionated and, above all, useful." (Bridge Design & Engineering ; 4th Quarter 2004)

From the Publisher
This book demystifies the creative process of bridge design by breaking down the bridge into its most fundamental elements--line, form, and placement in the site, as well as color, texture, and ornamentation. The author shows how to plan bridges that take into account symbolism, historical meaning, and our ability to understand the visual world.

From the Inside Flap
bridgescape The Art of Designing Bridges Frederick Gottemoeller Despite their utilitarian nature, many bridges constitute the most visually stunning structures of our cities and towns. In Bridgescape: The Art of Designing Bridges, Frederick Gottemoeller brings the aesthetic aspects of bridge design within the grasp of all architects, engineers, and designers. This innovative approach challenges the reader to design and build bridges that are both functional and pleasing to the eye. Gottemoeller demystifies the creative process by breaking down the bridge into its most fundamental elements—line, form, and placement in the site, as well as color, texture, and ornamentation. The author shows how to plan bridges that take into account symbolism, historical meaning, and our ability to understand the visual world. But Bridgescape is more than an introduction to the aesthetic and engineering aspects of building a bridge. The author also discusses the dynamics of involving local authorities and the community in bridge design. From highway to pedestrian bridges, this book offers realistic and enlightening solutions for incorporating visually distinctive bridges within real-world situations and contexts. Working from the "skeleton" of the bridge—its girders, piers, and abutments—to its decorative features—color, carving, and texture—the author offers practical, easy-to-understand guidelines that can be applied to even the smallest of bridge design projects. Just a few key factors can profoundly enhance a bridge’s appearance. Distinct from the technical books that separate architecture from engineering, Bridgescape offers a refreshing survey of the power of aesthetics in modern bridge design. A sixteen-page color insert enlivens the text, which is generously illustrated with over 280 photographs and drawings of bridges. Both engineers and architects will find Bridgescape an indispensable reference volume and an inspiring introduction to the aesthetic side of bridge engineering.

Customer Reviews

Aesthetic Guidance for Everyday People
The prospect of a new landmark such as a bridge can provoke a lot of passion and debate in a community. Public input is unavoidable and, more and more often, invited as a means of satisfying the people that will live with the bridge. Anyone interested in or concerned about the construction of a new bridge in their community should read this book! It provides the engineer's point of view in a manner that the average citizen can appreciate. Dr. Gottemoeller explains the fundamentals of bridge design as they relate to appearance and economics, which are generally the public's main concerns, and enables the average community participant to understand why some solutions are better than others. "Bridgescape" is a highly recommended read for anyone in a community with a controversial bridge project. It could very well help bring everyone to the same page and more easily reach agreement. Plus, you'll find yourself critiquing every overpass on your daily commute and impressing your aquaintances with your aesthetic expertise.

Beauty in Brdiges
I'm not an architect, but I bought this book at first sight! Anyone, with even a passing interest in beauty and form or bridges will love this book. One ends up saying, "Why CAN'T we design better bridges?!" Dr Gottemoeller provides all the needed answers. Ray Arnaudo, Falls Church, VA

Bridgescape is both instructional and inspirational.
The Bridgescape author's passion for his subject is revealed by his poetic introductory paragraph, quoted here: "Bridges speak to us. They speak to us about the places they are or the places they take us. They speak to us about travel: the new wonders to be seen, the money to be made, the time saved, the excitement of the crossing. They speak to us about the skill of their designers and the courage of their builders. Above all, they speak to us about the values and aspirations of the communities, organizations and persons who build them."
I am fortunate to live near a recently-completed, Gottemoeller-designed bridge crossing the Susquehanna River in Owego, NY. This project aptly demonstrated the principles espoused in Bridgescape, and the community is so delighted with and proud of the result, they make 'their' bridge the centerpiece of the numerous summer festivals for which they are noted.