Bridge Builders - Hardcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

MARTIN PEARCE co-ordinates the third-year design programme, and lectures on architectural theory, at the University of Portsmouth School of Architecture. He is an examiner for the Royal Institute of British Architects' Examination in Architecture and a member of the RIBA/Architects Registration Board Joint Assessment Panel. His previous publications include Educating Architects (co-authored with Maggie Toy, 1995), Architects in Cyberspace (co-edited with Neil Spiller, 1995) and University Builders (2001).

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Bridges are arguably the most symbolic of man-made structures. Unique in their balance between structural and aesthetic concerns, they offer a physical representation of unity and optimism.

It is no coincidence that the dawn of this millennium has been marked all over the world by the building of bridges as the world has stepped into a new era. During this period, construction of monumental road or rail bridges has given way to a focus on the more intimate footbridge, reflecting the mounting concern for sustainability and the encouragement of healthier lifestyles.

Bridge design has traditionally been the domain of the engineer, but recently architects have been increasingly involved in the field, so that now this particular building type quite literally bridges the gap between the two disciplines. The examples featured in this book represent some of the most successful collaborations where architects and engineers, placed on an equal footing, have achieved extraordinarily innovative designs. Bridge Builders begins with an introductory essay examining the history of the bridge throughout the world from ancient times to the present, and analysing its symbolic significance and str uctural development. This account is followed by descriptions, drawings and photographs of an international selection of recent footbridges, showing the full diversity of current practice and providing an invaluable resource on the subject.

Aus dem Klappentext

Bridges are arguably the most symbolic of man-made structures. Unique in their balance between structural and aesthetic concerns, they offer a physical representation of unity and optimism.

It is no coincidence that the dawn of this millennium has been marked all over the world by the building of bridges as the world has stepped into a new era. During this period, construction of monumental road or rail bridges has given way to a focus on the more intimate footbridge, reflecting the mounting concern for sustainability and the encouragement of healthier lifestyles.

Bridge design has traditionally been the domain of the engineer, but recently architects have been increasingly involved in the field, so that now this particular building type quite literally bridges the gap between the two disciplines. The examples featured in this book represent some of the most successful collaborations where architects and engineers, placed on an equal footing, have achieved extraordinarily innovative designs. Bridge Builders begins with an introductory essay examining the history of the bridge throughout the world from ancient times to the present, and analysing its symbolic significance and structural development. This account is followed by descriptions, drawings and photographs of an international selection of recent footbridges, showing the full diversity of current practice and providing an invaluable resource on the subject.