Abstract:
Bridges are, in principle, utilitarian works capable of aesthetic qualities, because they have been created by man. A beautiful bridge is born with the intention of accomplishing a unique, particular, local, and independent work, but also with aspirations to the eternal, as a universal testimony of human culture, and for the pleasure and pride of future generations. While respecting the restrictions inherent in every utilitarian work, the designer can give beauty to a bridge by applying artistic sensitivity and technical capacity to the aesthetic elements of form and so integrate them harmoniously with the landscape. Stating that it is essential to search for unity in a bridge's aesthetic composition, this paper provides some guiding principles to make this unity of expression evident.
