David Sucher argues that France's spectacular new bridge is not just a feat of engineering -- it's architecture. "...I'd suggest that it qualifies as architecture, maybe even top-notch architecture..." Brian Micklethwait wonders about the reason for building the bridge: "Economically it looks crazy to me. A few more curves on the road and they could surely have saved themselves billions."
David Sucher argues that France's spectacular new bridge is not just a feat of engineering -- it's architecture.
"...I'd suggest that it qualifies as architecture, maybe even top-notch architecture..."
Brian Micklethwait wonders about the reason for building the bridge:
"Economically it looks crazy to me. A few more curves on the road and they could surely have saved themselves billions."
Most of the photosgraphs I have seen of the bridge showcase its elegant structural beauty against a dramatic landscape. The photos of the bridge's slender towers soaring up from a fog-shrouded valley are indeed spectacular. As opposed to photos that focus on the bridge's form, Brian also linked to a photograph that shows the function of the bridge. It is a photograph of the bridge from the air during construction and it shows the terrain over which the bridge spans.
Here are both photos together, each illustrating a different aspect of the bridge.
Source: Times Online
Source: France from the Air

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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City of Grandview
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Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
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