Robert Maillart Santiago Calatrava Tavanasa Bridge Rhine River

Robert Maillart & Santiago Calatrava Tavanasa Bridge Rhine River, Switzerland Volantin Footbridge Bilbao’s Nervion River, Spain By: Annetta Mc. Guckin & Christine Kim

Thesis Statement Though Calatrava and Maillart differ in many ways they share a similar visual aesthetic that has placed them among the most innovative of bridge builders.

Robert Maillart • Scientific/efficiency – Realized that he could correct the problem of cracking in the reinforced concrete by subtracting an area in the spandrel walls nearest to the abutments • Social/economic – The bridge was a success economically because it omitted the masonry facing, and used less material and construction costs were less overall • Symbolic/Elegance – – Though the bridge faced widespread criticism at the time, it was an innovative form and is considered a piece of structural art It was symbolic of changes in structural engineering and reinforced concrete and showed that technology was moving forward

Santiago Calatrava • Scientific/efficiency: – A parabolic tied arch consisting of a steel grid, composed of forty-one Ishaped ribs with glass flooring that supports the steel profiles. • Social/economic: – The Volantin Footbridge was built for a vast campaign of urban renewal. • Symbolic/elegance: – The fixed lights on the bridge makes it look like a sculpture that brings the community together and a pedestrian meeting place. – He derived his design from a harp in which the suspension cables on the bridge represent the strings and the cut outs make it seem light and elegant.

Compare/Contrast Robert Maillart Santiago Calatrava Visual Aesthetics Non-decorative, simple forms and cut-outs Simple forms that capture the concept of movement Environment Rural town Urban city Cost efficiency Very cost efficient Expensive Materials Reinforced concrete Steel frame & glass deck

Conclusion At first glance one would think that Calatrava’s structure, the Volantin Footbridge, is based on Maillart’s bridges. The visual aesthetics of Maillart’s and Calatrava’s structures are similar, but the differences in the environment, cost, and materials are what sets these structural engineers apart. Although they were structural engineers at different periods in time they were both innovative pioneers in their field.