TwoPerfectPagesFinalDraft

1.2 Bridges

When photographed both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge are admired for their architecture. While scrolling through images on Flickr it became apparent that the Golden Gate Bridge is admired for its color and how it prominent image within the bay. On this specific website there were no photographs that were taken on the bridge itself, always from a distance. On the other hand, there were many more photographs of the Brooklyn Bridge from a pedestrian’s point of view, as the many different cables on the bridge create very interesting photographs. From looking at the photographs of the two bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge appeared to symbolize a gateway to either the bay or the ocean on the other side. When looking at the Brooklyn Bridge it seemed that the connection of two important cities was the main focus.

The Brooklyn Bridge, having opened in 1883, was very sturdy for its time. Roebling had designed the bridge to be stronger than it needed to be because the science of bridge building had not been figured out yet. I think that if the science had been better during the developing we would not have the iconic bridge, with many cables and huge towers, that we do today. The intricate design is what makes it so remarkable. The bridge was originally designed for vehicles, like carts and carriages, and pedestrians. This bridge has more emphasis on accessibility for pedestrians; the walkway is down the center, with car lanes on the outside. The Golden Gate Bridge has walkways as well, but it is apparent that the bridge was primarily designed for vehicles with many car lanes, and sidewalks on the side.
In comparison to the Brooklyn Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge is just as breathtaking but much sleeker. The opening for the Golden Gate was just over 50 years after the Brooklyn Bridge’s, and engineers began to have a greater understanding of ways to build bridges. It was designed to be more flexible, to withstand the wind it would encounter. Had the bridge been built at the same time as the Brooklyn Bridge it is possible that the design would have been bulkier and not as iconic.

Both bridges have had minimal changes through the years, none of them effecting the overall appearance. By both New York City and San Francisco deciding to keep their historical images they are appreciating their city’s past, and our country’s past. Even being on opposite sides of the country, both cities are places of innovation and change, but they know it is important to celebrate history and to be proud of what came first.