The Golden Gate bridge is a suspension bridge, and is the twelfth longest in the world. The bridge’s cables system is fairly simple; they run straight up and down. Although eye-pleasing, the “wow factor” of the bridge’s design lies more in its sheer size and length, and bright orange color, than in intricate or lavish details. Photography of the bridge tends to focus on its length and lighting system rather than up close details. It is an icon in the city of San Francisco, and has been declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which is why this bridge continues to be upgraded and improved rather than replaced.

 

The Brooklyn Bridge, by contrast, is a cable-stayed/suspension bridge hybrid. It was the first steel-wired bridge of its kind, and has an intricate crossing wire design. The bridge also has two large towers from which the cables run to support the bridge deck. The bridge contains limestone, granite, and Rosendale cement and is neo-Gothic style, giving it a much more historic look than the Golden Gate bridge, with many more fine details. Photographs of this bridge showcase its wire system and detail on the pillars, rather than its overall size and appearance. This bridge, too, is iconic in New York City, and continues to be renovated rather than rebuilt in order to preserve this historic landmark (it was actually designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964).

 

I think that the Brooklyn Bridge gives us a peek into past architecture while still practicing new, innovative techniques, while the Golden Gate Bridge was a step toward a new, more modern look and era in architecture and engineering.

When photographed both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge are admired for their architecture.  While scrolling through pictures on Flickr it became apparent that the Golden Gate Bridge is admired for its color and how it appears in the bay.  On this specific website there were no photographs that were taken on the bridge itself, always from a distance.  On the other hand, there were many more photographs of the Brooklyn Bridge from a pedestrian’s point of view, the many different cables on the bridge create very interesting photographs.  From looking at the photographs of the two bridges, the Golden Gate Bridge appeared to symbolize a gateway to either the bay or the ocean on the other side.  When looking at the Brooklyn Bridge it seemed that the connection of two important cities was the main focus.

The Brooklyn Bridge, having opened in 1883, was very sturdy for its time.  Roebling had designed the bridge to be stronger than it needed to be because the science of bridge building had not been figured out yet.  I think that if the science had been better during the developing we would not have the iconic bridge, with many cables and huge towers, that we do today. In comparison to the Brooklyn Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge is just as breathe taking but much sleeker.  The opening for the Golden Gate was just over 50 years later, and engineers began to have a greater understanding of bridges.  It was designed to be more flexible, to withstand the wind it would encounter.  Had the bridge been built at the same time as the Brooklyn Bridge it is possible that the design would have been bulkier and not as iconic.

Both bridges have had minimal changes through the years, none of them effecting the overall appearance.  By both New York City and San Francisco deciding to keep their historical images they are appreciating their city’s past, and our country’s past.  Even being on opposite sides of the country both cities are places of innovation and change, but they know it is important to celebrate history and to be proud of what came first.

Comparing two of the most iconic bridges in American history can be a difficult task, but when analyzing the similarities and differences between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge a lot of information can be revealed about the architects and the cities these bridges were built in. Both bridges use a cable suspension design, but are vastly different in appearance; which is largely influenced by the cities they were built in. The Brooklyn Bridge looks much more historic with its dark brick arches and its Gothic style. While the Golden Gate Bridge shines with its bright orange towers and modern style.

Built in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the United States. This historical bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge was largely influenced by functionality. Made out of granite and iron, the bridge was meant to endure the weather and the rapidly growing population of New York City. It’s historic look made the Brooklyn Bridge a symbol of pride to its community.

The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 and for almost thirty years it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Built almost fifty years later than the Brooklyn Bridge allowed the architect to have better access to technology and equipment, but faced more obstacles when dealing with San Fransisco’s weather. Constant fog and strong winds caused many issues with the structure of the bridge. The bright orange allows the bridge to be seen through dense fog and the slimmer, more open design of the arches helps the bridge fight through strong winds. The bridge was also built with a thinner roadway to allow flexibility when the wind hit the bridge. The giant towers and bright orange gives the Golden Gate Bridge an elegant modern style that complimented the new prosperity of California in the 1930s.