Bridge Design

Catalog description

Bridges are often regarded as structures that serve rather prosaic connective functions, whose forms are derived from rigorous application of the cold logic of mathematics, physics, and structural engineering. Yet the major visual and social impact of bridges cannot be denied – whether as an integral part of an urban built environment or as a distinctive man-made intervention that connects across a sublime natural landscape. If during the 20th century it can be said that architects had largely abandoned their historical role in the design of bridges while structural engineers had claimed this field as being their responsibility, today we can increasingly recognize the emergence of broad interdisciplinary interest and collaboration in the design of such structures. Students in this course will examine and experiment with the design of footbridges, whose modest size and tactile qualities enable a close exploration of their different forms, programmatic functions, and detailed design development.