Bridge Aesthetics: A Discipline in Need of a More Effective Language

Abstract

A study of bridge aesthetics literature is partially documented. This literature has been and continues to be characterized by jargon and loose, undefined terminology. If the bridge engineering profession is to develop means by which the more routinely successful designers can record their observations and aesthetics advice for posterity in meaningful terms, aesthetics terminology must be changed, defined, and illustrated to such an extent that thought can be given a sharper focus and meanings made clearer. Brief as the documentation is, it nevertheless can help to explain why some papers and significant portions of books and aesthetics design manuals are beyond the comprehension of those for whom the literature was expressly intended. It is hoped that as bridge aesthetics specialists and enthusiasts become more aware of the verbal problems associated with past and present bridge aesthetics writings, concerted efforts can be made to improve aesthetics terminology and eventually achieve a more effective bridge aesthetics language.