On aesthetic durability in bridge design

Abstract

Evolution in materials, together with developments in instrumentation and monitoring techniques, have
made it possible to think on systematically designing bridges that have a significantly longer service life
than what is currently required in the standards. This article is a reflection on how the design of these
bridges should be faced in terms of appearance. On what parameters can make a bridge a long-lasting
valuable piece of the built environment or just a representative of what was in fashion in a specific period.
On how to achieve a perceived design quality that can span different generations. On appearance
durability.