tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470543006314152962.post7755776857340508790..comments2024-03-11T16:49:27.614+00:00Comments on The Happy Pontist: River Wear bridge: an updateThe Happy Pontisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15252272118786667592noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470543006314152962.post-79696616031840437842013-05-23T00:07:43.533+01:002013-05-23T00:07:43.533+01:00Matthew, thank you for taking the time to comment,...Matthew, thank you for taking the time to comment, it is always good to hear from the designer. The engineering press in general is either lazy or rhetorical in nature, and there is far too little actual conversation.<br /><br />My reaction to the Wear Crossing design is one of visceral dislike, but I am self-conscious enough to be aware this view is as much formed of habit as it is entirely rational. I've spoken to many other engineers who hold essentially the same point of view on the bridge, but whose obsessive dislike of extravagance leaves them unwilling to listen to any alternative.<br /><br />I think there's a debate to be had not just about "what should be built", but about issues of what and how such things should be procured. The necessary judgement of value is too often ignored in both procurement and in politics.<br /><br />I look forward to seeing the tender prices, of course.The Happy Pontisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15252272118786667592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470543006314152962.post-8058844056891371852013-05-22T14:26:37.842+01:002013-05-22T14:26:37.842+01:00Now that the tenders on the above project are in i...Now that the tenders on the above project are in it's probably acceptable for a professional engineer to comment.<br /><br />As the desigenr (with Stephen spence) of this bridge I beleive it should be considered in three contexts; architectural, engineering,commercial.<br /><br />Those engineers with a proper design training will hold views on the architectural solution. The engineering has been involved and very enjoyable. My associates have demonstrated outstanding skills to realise it. Is it value for money? Perhaps best left to the client to judge where to spend his/her money. I hope the scheme reflects that vibrant, extraordinary city I've known the past 20years.<br /><br />If there's now an interest in making a proper critical superstructure around engineering and applications of technology then it is timely. <br /><br />Two things about this bridge:<br />Like all bridges it's for 120 years so questions of design in austerity need careful consideration<br />Technology's elegance in economy? Look in your garage. If we all drove Trabants we'd save a great deal.<br /><br />Concluding: Architects who know me are unlikely to use the epithet submissive and I've rather more sympathy with sparse elegance than given credit for. However I want engineers to be self-conscious in their design not just hope convention will somehow generate the'correct'solution.<br /><br />Bridge designers are a terribly defensive lot. <br /> <br />Matthew Wellsnoreply@blogger.com