Bridging rivers, gorges, narrows, straits, and valleys always has played an important role in the history of human settlement. Since ancient times, bridges have been the most visible testimony of the noble craft of engineers. A bridge can be defined in many ways, but Andrea Palladio, the great 16th century Italian architect and engineer, hit on the essence of bridge building when he said " Since the beginning of time, the goal of bridge builders has been to create as wide a span as possible which is commodious, firm, and occasionally delightful.
Spanning greater distances is a distinct measure of engineering prowess. In terms of engineering, bridges are discussed by design or type beam, arch, truss, cantilever, suspension, or moveable ; length usually expressed in terms of clear or overall span ; and materials stone, wood, cast and wrought iron, and what we use today - concrete and steel.
The purpose of this contextual essay is to provide parameters of value and significance so that we can focus our attention on those bridges - globally - that best illustrate the history of bridge building, and to encourage their preservation. What is a World Heritage bridge? The World Heritage Committee states that to be of World Heritage status a monument or site must be of outstanding universal value.
It must illustrate or interpret the heritage of the world in terms of engineering, technology, transportation, communication, industry, history, or culture.
World Heritage industrial sites and monuments must meet one or more of the following criteria and pass the test of authenticity:. Have exerted great influence, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in engineering theory, technology, construction, transportation, and communication;. Be an outstanding example of a type which illustrates a significant stage in bridge engineering or technological developments.
