From the first log thrust over a divide, bridges have united us, facilitating our need to explore and our desire to extend our mastery of physics. In this episode, we look at bridges built by pre-industrial societies around the globe.
New materials spark evolution for bridge design throughout the Industrial Revolution; as societies shifted away from agrarian lifestyles, towards industrial economies. It's all about iron and steel and the building of railways.
The bridge-building boom continues worldwide, with young engineers striving to innovate with bold, structures made with shiny new metal. Undeterred by the Great Depression large infrastructure projects keep economies going.
Amidst WW2, battles were fought and won for bridges. Key to strategic maneuvering across the land, historic structures often targeted to acquire or destroy during wartime.
It is difficult enough to design a bridge that will remain aesthetically relevant for a hundred and twenty-odd years. Let alone one that maintains its resilience. Advanced understanding of environmental factors and impact prevention sees many historic structures retrofit or updated to stay relevant.
An era defined by greater collaboration between artists, architects, and engineers. Their combined expertise pushes design principles to question the fundamental purpose or mechanics of new structures.