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The Tower and the Bridge

The New Art of Structural Engineering
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( 145 ratings, 14 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Tower and the Bridge by David P. Billington explores the evolution of structural engineering by examining bridges and towers as symbols of innovation and creativity throughout history. The book delves into the aesthetic and technological advances in engineering, highlighting the interplay between artistic vision and functional pragmatism. Through historical examples, Billington provides insight into how these structures reflect cultural ideals and advancements in design thinking.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the intersection of structural engineering and art. It presents an engaging exploration into the aesthetics and technical achievement of bridges and towers, providing insights into how these remarkable structures shape our built environment and contribute to the cultural history of civil engineering.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An essential exploration of the engineering aesthetics of celebrated structures from long-span bridges to high-rise buildings

What do structures such as the Eiffel Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the concrete roofs of Pier Luigi Nervi have in common? According to The Tower and the Bridge, all are striking examples of structural art, an exciting area distinct from either architecture or machine design. Aided by stunning photographs, David Billington discusses the technical concerns and artistic principles underpinning the well-known projects of leading structural engineer-artists, including Othmar Ammann, Felix Candela, Gustave Eiffel, Fazlur Khan, Robert Maillart, John Roebling, and many others. A classic work, The Tower and the Bridge introduces readers to the fundamental aesthetics of engineering.

'Billington is clearly moved by great structures. . . . This is a book on structural engineering that sees its subject as part of the larger drama of history and culture, and for the breadth of this stance alone, it is impressive.' - Paul Goldberger, New York Times Book Review

'Elegant modern structures are often described as beautiful, and Billington, with the love of an artist, the patience of a historian, and the knowledge of a first-rate structuralist, has presented the achievements of the new age in a language of such lucidity and accuracy as to make them understandable to the interested layman.' - Mario Salvadori, American Scientist

Series: Princeton Science Library

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    An essential exploration of the engineering aesthetics of celebrated structures from long-span bridges to high-rise buildings What do structures such as the Eiffel Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the concrete roofs of Pier Luigi Nervi have in common? According to The Tower and the Bridge, all are striking examples of structural art, an exciting area distinct from either architecture or...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691236926

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 May 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Illustration: 57 b/w illus.

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 328

About the Author

David P. Billington (19272018) was the Gordon Y. S. Wu Professor of Engineering Emeritus at Princeton University. His many books include Robert Maillart's Bridges and Power, Speed, and Form (both Princeton).

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