Bridgescape : The Art of Designing Bridges

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Summary: Graceful Art in Steel and Stone
Review: Bridgescape by Frederick Gottemoeller is as much an inspiration to the artist as it is an indespensible tome for the bridge designer and engineer. The author weaves together the disparate nuances of nature, culture, history, politics and engineering to achieve structurally sound yet visually arresting reflections of the communities served by bridges. The photos are truly breathtaking ... whether they illustrate the natural wonder of the nineteenth century stone Starruca Viaduct in northeastern Pennsylvania, or the classic beauty of the Gantor Bridge in Switzerland. Even if you are not a bridge designer or engineer, this is a book to adorn every coffee table!

Charlie Ip
Kentucky



Rating:
Summary: Valuable information, poorly presented.
Review: Could have been an excellent book. If one is to review a book, content must be taken into account, but also presentation, for books are instruments of diffusion and communication of ideas. The ideas in this book are original, bright and useful, and there is no doubt that Mr. Gottemoeller is an expert in this trade. But he (or his editors) should have invested more time in the graphic display of these ideas.

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Summary: Unique in the field
Review: Fred Gottemoeller offers a clear, thorough and inspiring discussion of all aspects of bridge design. An invaluable resource for architects, engineers and all who appreciate the beauty of bridges.

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Summary: Beauty in Brdiges
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: Finally
Review: In this beautiful and thoughtfully designed second edition, the visual presentation finally matches the quality of the writing. The second edition of "Bridgescape" would be equally at home in the college classroom, the community input meeting, and the coffeetable.


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Summary: Bridgescape is both instructional and inspirational.
Review: 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.

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Summary: Aesthetic Guidance for Everyday People
Review: 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.

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Summary: Inspired Bridges -- Inspired Writing
Review: We are all students in bridge aesthetics, to some extent. As members of the public we use bridges every day. Aesthetically designed bridges can uplift us and give us pride in our communities. Yet too often, this aspect of bridge design is overlooked by government bodies working from standard designs and with a simple utilitarian goal. This book should inspire a rethinking of this approach.
As an engineer, I found Gottemoeller's book absorbing. He carefully lays out the fundamental principles required to design aesthetic bridges. His approach to bridge design is sufficiently important that the book should be required reading for students of civil engineering and architecture involved in public works, whether they will design bridges themselves or oversee such projects. The photographic examples of bridges beautifully illustrate the fundamental message: that public structures, properly designed, can enrich our lives without sacrificing utility and often without cost penalty. In addition, the book is so well written and so beautifully illustrated that laymen will also find it educational, enjoyable, and even inspiring. The second edition is expanded in text with additional examples and improved illustrations from the first.
Gottemoeller says, "Bridges speak to us." Since reading his book, I have become more appreciative - and critical - of the bridges I see daily. These bridges speak now in ways I can better understand. Some even speak with inspiration.