Do We Share A Common Language?
November 2nd, 2006 by Hal
Magnificent projects are underway throughout the world. China is getting more of my attention these days. The Chinese are showing quite a bit of lean practices in industry along with significant undertakings in the built environment. The photo of the Caiyunba bridge crossing the Yangtze river is the longest tied-arch span incorporating both rail and highway traffic, according to ENR.
Good projects connect people in ways that transcends difference while enabling connectedness
Will this project come in on time and on budget? Who knows. Will it address the community concerns of the people who want to cross the Yangtze river? Who knows. In fact, we can't know before the fact. I don't think on time and on budget are the point.
This bridge is a spectacular undertaking. It shows off a design sensibility that just might be timeless; it represents an ambition for the built environment that others will copy; and it is practical — all good design is practical. I love the Caiyunba bridge, and Boston's Zakim bridge, and who doesn't love the Golden Gate bridge? Why do I love these bridges? For me, they represent the big purpose of doing projects…good projects connect people in ways that transcends difference while enabling connectedness. I am involved in projects for the sake of building bridges.
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