Architect Tom Ventulett says Atlanta's expressways are ugly

[ElleKaye]

Originally Posted by lunetunelover

As a civil/highway engineer with over 20 years of experience I can tell you that architects DO NOT design bridges or retaining walls or anything to do with roadway infrastructure.

You know what? I'm not arguing that architects are always involved in the design of bridges or retaining walls. I've seen quite a few renderings and models by architects that suggest otherwise though.

I worked at an A&E firm for most of the 90s, and I am saying that engineers are not totally dismissive of architects. There are lots of areas where engineers are needed in other types of projects, and the engineering sections don't even make up the majority in the specs. I was just stating again that in most situations that engineers and architects respect each other's area of expertise and don't try to diminish the importance of the other.

So perhaps given how they look, perhaps architects should be involved in the design of bridges and retaining walls.

[magnetar]

Originally Posted by lunetunelover

As a civil/highway engineer with over 20 years of experience I can tell you that architects DO NOT design bridges or retaining walls or anything to do with roadway infrastructure.

In this state, maybe not. Everywhere else, though... Bridge architecture and design | Dezeen magazine

[cqholt]

The Downtown Connector needs Green Walls along the sunken portion of them to help offset the amount of air pollution produced.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by cqholt

The Downtown Connector needs Green Walls along the sunken portion of them to help offset the amount of air pollution produced.

I like your idea, cq. What types of plants are best suited for this?

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by lunetunelover

As a civil/highway engineer with over 20 years of experience I can tell you that architects DO NOT design bridges or retaining walls or anything to do with roadway infrastructure.

That's unfortunate.

Highway and bridge design needs to focus on sound and cost effective engineering, but that shouldn't rule out architectural considerations.

Roads, including freeways, are some of our most important public spaces.

[lunetunelover]

Originally Posted by arjay57

That's unfortunate.

Highway and bridge design needs to focus on sound and cost effective engineering, but that shouldn't rule out architectural considerations.

As I noted in my first post in this thread, the issue isn't about ability. It's about cost. With the federal government paying for probably 90% of bridges being built all around the country, they tend not to build signature bridges. Generally if a state or local government wants a signature bridge, they will pay the difference. Most states and localities can't (or won't) pay it.


I've worked with structural engineers pretty much all over the east coast. And in all my years of experience only one signature bridge stands out:

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by lunetunelover

As I noted in my first post in this thread, the issue isn't about ability. It's about cost. With the federal government paying for probably 90% of bridges being built all around the country, they tend not to build signature bridges. Generally if a state or local government wants a signature bridge, they will pay the difference. Most states and localities can't (or won't) pay it.


I've worked with structural engineers pretty much all over the east coast. And in all my years of experience only one signature bridge stands out:

That's a great looking bridge.

And I'm not suggesting that aesthetics take over the business of highway design, just that they should be an integral part of the process. Form, materials, lighting, planting can all make a big difference without necessarily throwing cost out the window.

[lunetunelover]

That's the Cooper River Bridge in South Carolina.


Most designers do try to add some aesthetics, and new technologies make some things more cost effective. But it's still a challenge. Add in other standards for materials, lighting, and planting (and the inherent maintenance costs) and it becomes more prohibitive.


Most "regular" people aren't interested in paying extra in taxes so the bridges look pretty. That's why we struggle to keep the infrastructure we have now in good condition. Many states (and even the feds) won't raise taxes and the current funding is limited.

[fourthwarden]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

I like your idea, cq. What types of plants are best suited for this?

Kudzu! /s

English Ivy, Ferns, maybe grass if you can get the slope for it...

[DaBurgh]

Maybe Tom Ventulett is ugly