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photo: Carol M. Highsmith
Constructed of limestone, granite, and natural cement, the Gothic design of the Brooklyn Bridge is that of engineer John Augustus Roebling. Early on in the construction, Roebling died from complications caused by an injury sustained at the site. His son, Washington, succeeded him, but he was stricken with decompression sickness caused from working in the caissons. Many supervisorial responsibilities would fall to Emily Warren Roebling, Washington’s wife.
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Comments (3)
On the list of things to do before you die, make sure to include a walk across this bridge, especially towards Manhattan. It is so perfectly proportioned, so solid yet ethereal.
Posted by Terry | February 8, 2007 1:23 PM
Posted on February 8, 2007 13:23
Architects and fans of architecture should check out David McCullogh's book, The Great Bridge, which sets out in detail the architectural and engineering methods used to design and build the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as the personalities of its builders. A great read!
Posted by Captain Canuck | February 16, 2007 6:51 PM
Posted on February 16, 2007 18:51
Oh dear. I must confess that I believe that both the Brooklyn Bridge and John Roebling are vastly overrated. The bridge is indeed a marvel of engineering, but when it comes to aesthetics, it's not that impressive, especially when compared to other bridges in New York City.
If you've ever seen the George Washington Bridge at night, when the towers are lit from the inside so they look as if they are made from crystal, you will understand.
And what of Othmar Ammann, who had a hand in *ten* of NYC's bridges, compared to the single one from the Roeblings?
http://en.structurae.de/persons/data/index.cfm?id=d000001
I suppose it's the general nostalgia for anything containing the word "Brooklyn". Would the bridge have done so well if it were called, for example, the East River Bridge or the Chester A. Arthur Bridge?
Posted by Richard | March 16, 2007 9:23 AM
Posted on March 16, 2007 09:23