Project
You will be building a fixed bridge using only foam core, and white glue. Your goal is to build a bridge that can bear as much weight as possible. Try to achieve a balance of strength, and beauty, in the design of your bridge. During the final critique, your projects will be strength-tested. Each bridge must hold a minimum of 50 lbs. You will do your best to achieve a balance of strength, and beauty, in the design of YOUR bridge.
The student whose bridge can hold the most weight, while maintaining aesthetic consideration, will win a prize!
Specs
Materials- You may only use the single sheet of foam core provided in class. You may only use white glue (Elmer's glue). You man not use hot glue, epoxy, or tape.
Length and Span- Your bridge must be able to span an 24" (inch) gap. Note: The span is the part of the bridge that is not supported by anything beneath it (like the table, leg, or chair). Keep in mind that there will need to be additional length in order for the ends of the bridge to rest on the table top. Therefore, the bridge has to be longer than 24" (inches).
Width and Height- The bridge must have a minimum height of 8" (inches), and a minimum width of 8" (inches). Lastly, there must be a flat area on the top of the bridge where we can stack bags of clay for the strength test. The bags are approximately 6" (inches) wide.
Rubric
You will be assessed on the strength of your bridge, craftsmanship, and it's aesthetic qualities. and name or title.
Process
1. Sincerely ask yourself the question... why build a bridge?
2. Research bridges and bridge building (bridge history).
3. Design - make plans/ drawings of "your" bridge.
Written Component
On a single page (typed), answer the two questions: Why build a bridge... Why build YOUR bridge?
You must think deeper than the obvious answer, which is: to get to the other side.
What are you crossing?
How, who, or what, will cross it?
And best of all... why?
Play with this question or idea... How does the bridge fit aesthetically and conceptually into your selected ideal or place?
This one-page paper will be due Jan 30th.
Your paper must be printed out, and clearly labeled with your name, date, and the title of your bridge. In addition, it must include the scale of your bridge- Is this life-size, or a model? If it is a model, then now big is the actual bridge you've created this model for?
Note: Be prepared to read your paragraph prior to the physical testing of your bridge.
Schedule
Jan 23
You will be given a small sheet of foam core in class. For homework, do an experiment to see what kind of strong structures you can make. Research designs on the and come up with a minimum of 7 drawings of your bridge plans that you think would be strong. Bring your experiments and drawings to class on the 30th.
Jan 30
Come to class with white glue and a sharp knife & your drawings and experiments. This will be a studio day. along with your drawings and text/paragraph.
Feb 6
Final Critique of "Why Build a Bridge!"
Examples
Below are images and a video of the critique from previous years. Pay attention to both the designs of the bridges, and the set-up of the tables. This will help you in designing your bridge appropriately. Note: the pieces of wood screwed to the side of the table extend down 1' (foot). You may have part of your bridge rest against this surface to help distribute stress/weight.
Also below you will find links to short and long video’s about bridges bridge building the history of bridges and bridge as metaphor. Along with a couple of videos on how to work with foam core. and even a game!
- NOTE; Those who share bridge history, bridge building and bridge as metaphor research with every one visa via email (Cc every one including Mr. Lambert and Mr. Kukec... will be rewarded! Sharing is a reward! So do it! Share information use the internet / technologies to communicate and share knowledge. PLEASE AND THANKS
Building The Golden Gate Bridge 26:35
Great footage from 1930s of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in every phase of construction.
15 World's Most Famous Bridges 4:04
Here are the most famous bridges in the world, Some of these bridges are also regarded as landmarks and even become city icons, like Golden Gate Bridge is icon of San Francisco California.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmVML4J32GY
Bridge 7:53
Five Crazy Bridges for Animals 2:31
Bridge 2:45
Big Bigger Biggest - Bridge 49:39
The Bridge On The River Kwai a must watch!
Build Bridges 1:08
The Breathing Bridge 5:04
Making: Foam Core Build Demo 3:45
How to cut foam core with an exacto knife.mov 2:07
PBS Bridge Basics
Bridge Builder GAME!!!
Description
You need to build the bridge to get the creatures to the other side. The bits the creature can walk along are build along the green line. Your bridge needs to be made out of triangles to be effective. Otherwise it will just break. Use the orange fixed anchor points to support your bridge.
Instructions
Build the bridge and press T to test it. Press escape to go back to building it. Click on pieces to delete them. Click on anchor points and press delete to delete those. Use the "reset ball" button to place the ball where it landed last.
Student Examples
Below is a video of the critique from two years ago. Pay attention to both the designs of the bridges, and the set-up of the tables. This will help you in designing your bridge appropriately. Note: the pieces of wood screwed to the side of the table extend down 1' (foot). You may have part of your bridge rest against this surface to help distribute stress/weight.
Each of these bridges held 100 lbs!
