Form & Function: Expression of Truth/Beauty
"Form follows function...It is the law." -Louis Sullivan
The primary architectural concept of this project is to explore form follows function as well as function follows form. Using tried and true bridge construction typologies, form and function can be dissected. A movable span requirement welcomes confrontation between form and function. The movable span of the bridge has a specific function that must be possible provided the form it takes. The bridge overall conforms to allow this moving function, while still respecting established bridge forms. In this way, the moving apparatus must fit into the existing form, yet its function influences the form of its housing mechanism.
Bridge Span Prototypes
Fire Island Inlet Bridge
Bridge Type: cable-stayed
Location: Robert Moses Causeway, NY
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Horace Wilkinson Bridge
Bridge Type: truss
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
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Tyne River Bridge
Bridge Type: arch
Location: Newcastle, England
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Movement Analogies
Lobster Pliers
Spiral movement
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Locking Pliers
Hinged movement
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Eyelash curler
Sliding movement
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Conceptual 3x3 Combination Table
Preliminary Designs
Preliminary Design I
Fitting the function to the form
Preliminary Design II
Forming to fit the function