What is Structural Art?

Structural Art is a concept of scholarly research developed by Professor David P. Billington of Princeton University. Dr. Maria Garlock, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University, teaches engaging courses on the subject matter today. (As an undergraduate student, I learned a lot from both professors!) The concept is also in research via the Creative Art of Structural and Civil Engineering (CASCE) project. Structural Art is defined in Professor Billington’s book The Tower and the Bridge. A work of structural engineering may be classified as Structural Art if it achieves excellence in Efficiency, Economy, and Elegance. Let's explore the Elegance in Structural Art, where sincerity of structural form is key! Sincerity of structural form is whether the visual shape of the bridge truly matches how the bridge functions.
Structural Art
Seamless integration and achievement of Economy, Efficiency, and Elegance in works of Structural Engineering
Efficiency
Use of scientific principles to design a safe structure with minimum materials
Economy
Consideration of financial resources to keep costs at a minimum
Elegance
Sincerity of form with maximum aesthetic expression, in consideration of Efficiency & Economy

Become a Structural Art Critic!

Peruse the growing Bridge Gallery below and become a Structural Art Critic!  Structural Art is considered Architecture, but all Architecture is not classified as Structural Art.  This is because works of Architecture may also have cosmetic or extra decorative features.  To determine if the bridge is “elegant,” identify the bridge type.  Then, ask yourself the following three questions:

Visual Flair

Does the bridge have visual flair (e.g., unique material, paint color, style, etc.)?

YES

If the answer is YES, the bridge is a great candidate for Elegance in Structural Art. Otherwise, perhaps the bridge is a work of Architecture.

Necessary

Are the bridge parts necessary to carry the loads and distribute forces as expected by its type?

YES

If the answer is YES, the bridge is a great candidate for Elegance in Structural Art. Otherwise, perhaps the bridge is a work of Architecture.

Hidden

Is the bridge type hidden by decoration, sculpture, or cosmetics?

NO

If the answer is NO, the bridge is a great candidate for Elegance in Structural Art. Otherwise, perhaps the bridge is a work of Architecture.

From a visual standpoint only, do you think each bridge below is Structural Art or Architecture?  

Hover over the bridge to see if you agree with me…

Structural Art

1. Yes, the bridge has visual flair with its International Orange" color and Art Deco aesthetic. 2. Yes, the bridge parts are necessary to support loads. 3. No, the bridge type is not obscured by decoration. (Bridge Name: Golden Gate Bridge (1937); Bridge Location: San Francisco, CA, USA; Bridge Type: Suspension Bridge; Main Span Length: 4200 Feet)
Image: Torsodog

Architecture

1. Yes, this sinuous footbridge expresses visual flair through its sculptural metal surfaces, which also serve as noise barriers. 2. No, these metal surfaces are not necessary to carry primary structural loads. 3. Yes, the true structural form (i.e., steel box girders) is hidden behind the metal surfaces. (Bridge Name: BP Pedestrian Bridge (2004); Bridge Location: Chicago, IL, USA; Bridge Type: Steel Box Girder Bridge; Overall Length: 935 Feet)

Structural Art

1. Yes, the grand bridge towers have aesthetically pleasing gothic arches. 2. Yes, these bridge towers are necessary to support loads from the steel cables. 3. No, the bridge type is not hidden. Viewers can see how loads are distributed. (Bridge Name: Brooklyn Bridge (1883); Bridge Location: New York, NY, USA; Bridge Type: Hybrid Cable-Stayed Suspension Bridge; Longest Span Length: 1595.5 Feet)

Image: A1h1

Structural Art

1. Yes, the soaring height of this bridge (up to 343 meters) gives it visual flair, and it is recognized as the tallest in the world. The bridge has steel towers that form an A-frame above deck, which elegantly align with the deck and concrete piers below. 2. Yes, these visually stunning towers are necessary to distribute loads to the foundation. 3. No, the cable-stayed bridge type is not hidden. (Bridge Name: Viaduct de Millau (2004); Bridge Location: Millau, France; Bridge Type: Cable-Stayed Bridge; Longest Span Length: 342 m (1,122 Feet))

Image: AmateurPhotographer1590357∞

Architecture

1. Yes, this bridge offers views of a ravine to visitors through a glass deck that makes it visually stunning. 2. No, the material choice of glass, as opposed to steel or concrete, is not a necessity and serves as a thrilling, cosmetic attraction. 3. No, the suspension bridge type is not hidden. (Bridge Name: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (2016); Bridge Location: Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China; Bridge Type: Suspension Bridge; Longest Span Length: 430 m (1410 Feet))