This paper investigates the symbiotic relationship between the architectural appearance of a bridge and the structural design. The research is done by reviewing and comparing the design methodology employed by the first author in the conceptualization of two of his bridges; an early work from 1997 and a recent work from 2017. The review of the early work describes a design methodology that could be described as intuitive design, whereas the later work is the result of computational from-finding and optimization. Parallels are drawn and the historical development of the toolbox of the architect and the engineer is described. The paper analysis the way the two designs were achieved by looking from the perspective of the architect and that of the engineer, two disciplines that nowadays closely work together on the design of a bridge. The paper concludes by identifying the key design considerations to achieve a beautiful yet structurally sound bridge. The question whether beauty can be the sole result of a rational design process towards the most efficient form according to the laws of mechanics, is addressed. This paper demonstrate the belief that when it comes to the design of a bridge, architecture and structure, form and force, are involved in an interdependable and symbiotic relationship.@en

The ShArc is more than just a bridge from A to B; this bold design will become a destination in itself and a cultural landmark for the metropolitan city of Berlin. The tripod shaped bride is located at the intersection of the Spree with the canals Charlottenburg and Landwehr, connecting Charlottenburg with Moabit. The ShArc is a hybrid structure that combines the slenderness of an arc with the stiffness of a shell. The three members of the bridge are connected at the peak of the arc geometry. At that point the deck becomes a public platform where people can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. In order to reduce the deck weight in that area and to maintain the open character, an opening has been created in the deck directing the pedestrian flows around the void.For a structurally effective geometry the deck is designed with a significant double curvature. In the cross-section the deck is a U-shaped half-pipe. The sides reach a maximum height at the middle of the span and also serve as a railing. In some areas, perforations are created to create views on the water and on the skyline, combining structural optimization with transparency.@en