30 Bridges [Hardcover]

Matthew Wells (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2002

Many of the bridges built during the past 10 years show a high degree of experimentation. Bridges are also starting to attract attention as important features of the cultural and architectural landscape. With an introduction by the acclaimed architectural critic Hugh Pearman, this captivating reference analyzes 30 bridges around the world that display the most cutting-edge architectural and engineering trends in recent bridge construction. Each bridge is displayed in full, lavish color, while the accompanying text, drawings, and details demonstrate how the bridge is constructed and what innovative design and engineering features it incorporates. Projects range from the impressive 5,328-foot Great Belt Link in Denmark to the innovative covered-tube walkway designed for the Plashet Grove School in East London, from the Charles River Mainline Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts, to the Roosevelt Lake Bridge in Phoenix, Arizona. Plus, readers will find dozens of other interesting projects by such internationally renowned architects and engineers as Jürg Conzett, Future Systems, T. Y. Lin, I. M. Pei, Modjeski and Masters, WilkinsonEyre Architects, and many others.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

When a structural engineer sets out to write a book, one expects the results to be incomprehensibly technical. Not so with this dazzling survey of contemporary bridge building by British engineer Wells. A conviction that architects and engineers should be equal partners in bridge design has guided Wells's selection of 30 international cutting-edge examples of everything from urban pedestrian crossings to soaring mountain highways. Starting with a capsule history propounding his theory of progress in bridge construction from ancient times to the present, Wells moves on to profile each bridge in multipage spreads. An examination of each bridge's construction history, structural systems, and aesthetics is amply supplemented with photos, drawings, and plans. Wells assumes a readership versed in engineering basics and focuses on bridges built after the mid-1980s. Public libraries should first consider more general surveys such as David Bennett's The Creation of Bridges and Judith Dupr‚'s Bridges: A History of the World's Most ich will travel to London this year, briefly discusses Beckford's life but concentrates on his collections and insight as a discriminating collector. The last portion contains the exhibition catalog of 160 objets d'art arranged not chronologically but by significant aspects of his life. Ostergard (director, Bard Graduate Ctr. for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture) dramatically enhances the text with the excellent use of historical drawings and sketches. The exhibition items reveal Beckford's varied interests in architecture, design, and the decorative arts through fine examples of furniture, metalwork, porcelain, and rare lacquer objects. The entire volume is well documented through detailed chapter endnotes, source notes, and a bibliography. Highly recommended for collections focusing on the decorative arts and design. Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Libs., Johnson City
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Matthew Wells is a practicing structural engineer and partner in the London-based firm Techniker. He has a particular interest in the design of bridges. He lives in London, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; 1St Edition edition (February 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823053547
• ISBN-13: 978-0823053544
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 9.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,925,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional!!, September 29, 2002

By 

R. C. King (Miami Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 30 Bridges (Hardcover)

The author's selection of these thirty bridges offers readers an insight into modern bridge design...many of the bridges are truly unique and stunningly beautiful. The gorgeous photographs and intelligently written text make this the best book of its kind that I have ever read. Must reading for every structural engineer!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A bridge lover's delight!, April 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: 30 Bridges (Hardcover)

The author has put together an elaborate study of 30 unique and interesting modern bridges. The discussion of each is quite detailed and often very technical but nonetheless very informative and well supported by beautiful photographs and elaborate diagrams. For anyone who has an interest in modern bridges this is an eye-opener. For the few of us who travel with bridges as destinations, this is a wonderful guide for future trips.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great addition to my bridge book library!, November 28, 2009

By 

Sandstone (Salem, OR United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 30 Bridges (Hardcover)

Well written, well presented, well illustrated book, with a nice variety of bridges selected for inclusion. Overall highly recommended. For another excellent bridge book (maybe even a half-notch better than this one?) look at: Bridges: Three Thousand Years of Defying Nature by David J. Brown.