A few more images from the bridges on / near the Reading Yard... The first and second images show a bridge on the south side of Reading, where trains moved to and from Philadelphia, among other locations. Only one side of the bridge contains a keystone arch, while the underside is ribbed following the slant of the street and angled tracks.The third and fourth images show the skew bridge, considered the best example in the United States. Constructed in 1857, the arches contain no keystone, and each block of stone was custom cut to fit the particular specifications of the ellipsoidal curve required to carry the immense weight above with minimal vibration and sway. The innovation displayed throughout the entire Reading Yard and its structures, especially the bridges, suggest an important location for intervention due to the need for a visual or physical connection between the divided sides of the city.
More to follow later today/tonight on this matter...
A few more case studies include: the works of Christo and Jeanne - Claude;
The Central Park Gates, The Surrounded Islands, Wrapped Trees XVI, Wrapped Pont Neuf, etc.
Grounds For Sculpture; Central New Jersey modern art museum / outdoor sculptural / installation displays set in a well-balanced landscape of human intervention and natural forms.
Mass MoCA; Installation art
More resources: Strange Details (examples from 11/7/07 post)
Definitions:
Skin- 1. The membranous tissue forming the external covering or integument of an animal and consisting in vertebrates of the epidermis and dermis.
2. An animal pelt, especially the comparatively pliable pelt of a small or young animal.
3. A usually thin, closely adhering outer layer.
4. A container for liquids that is made of animal skin.
5. V. To cover with or as if with skin.
Synonyms: clad, cover, face, sheathe, side
Antonyms: body, core, interior, middle
Artificial- 1.Made by humans; produced rather than natural.
2. Brought about or caused by sociopolitical or other human-generated forces or influences.
3. Made in imitation of something natural.
Synonyms: synthetic, ersatz, simulated, manufactured, plastic, facticious
Antonyms: genuine, natural, unaffected, unpretentious, real.
Conceal- 1. To keep from being seen, found observed or discovered; hide.
2. To cut off from site: block (out).
3. To prevent from being known: cloak.
4. To put of keep out of site.
Synonyms: hide, obscure, obstruct, screes, shroud, mask, vei, bury, cache, ensconce, occult, secrete.
Antonyms: disclose, divulge, expose, lay bare, let out, open, reveal, show, tell, uncover.
2 comments:
special made curved skew bridges are a good on-site corollary to what your looking at - a specially made integration dealing with the unique requirements of the specific site by using innovative techniques....
Powerful, fierce, medieval arches and portals, skewed or not. Question: are you IN your site or scrounging around at the perimeters? Monday, a good aerial map would do so much good. Hard for outsiders to get a real good grasp on both the size and the character of what you are dealing with- but for sure, these arched images are far more potent than the early none-too-historic terminal building you began with. I like what I see- memory worth preserving. jp
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