The Place of Aesthetics in Bridge Design

Bridges occupy locations of prominence in both natural and man-made landscapes. Visual prominence has brought many bridges recognition as landmarks in their surroundings. Bridges are powerful reflections of both the state of technological development and of the intellectual climate at the time of their construction. Bridges must be compatible with their environment, and visually pleasing as entities unto themselves. Good engineering concepts are always a sound basis for high aesthetic quality, however, since visually pleasing designs can generally be achieved through refinement and artistic shaping of the basic form. What is required is a long-term strategy to support and promote the cultural value of engineering structures. Such a strategy would begin with the education of young engineers. Only when the majority of engineers have been sensitized and are ready to design bridges giving serious attention to the visual aspects can true progress be expected.