Understanding the Principle of Aesthetics in Bridges with Reference to the Structural Principles

Vitruviushas defined architecture as a combination of firmitas(firmness), Venustas(beauty) is utilitas(utility). Firmistas concerns the durability which is the product of structural decisions. Venustas is about visual appearance. The concept of beauty in architecture is often justified by the principle of aesthetics. Utilitasaddresses the issues that are of importance to the functionality of architecture. Architecture is a spatial art. The aesthetic experience of architecture cannot be separated from its practicality and ultimately the utility. Bridge design involves a combination of the scientific and technical principles along with aesthetic consideration for a universal purpose of all the bridges-to cover a span. This paper aims at identifying the linkages of structural principles of bridges to principles of aesthetics.