Golden Gate Bridge: The Magnificent Architecture Standing in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge: The Magnificent Architecture Standing in San Francisco
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Source – Pexels
Amidst the heart of the breathtaking city of San Francisco stands the iconic silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge, defying the limits of imagination and engineering. This magnificent structure, spanning the Golden Gate Strait, has become a symbol of architectural excellence and a lasting example of human creativity.
The famous suspension bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County in California.
It carries both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1 across the strait and is about one mile wide. In this article, we will explore the history and significance that have shaped the iconic monument it is known as today.
The Rich History & Construction
The idea of constructing a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait was first proposed in the late 19th century. The treacherous waters and strong currents made it a challenging task, but the need for a direct link between San Francisco and Marin County was evident. The project gained momentum in the 1920s when the city’s population started to grow rapidly.
In 1921, a renowned engineer named Joseph Strauss presented a unique design for the bridge. His plan called for a suspension bridge with a single span of 4,200 feet, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world at that time. Despite initial skepticism, Strauss’s vision eventually won over the public and the project moved forward.
Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began on January 5, 1933. The bridge was completed and officially opened to the public on May 27, 1937. It was an instant success, attracting thousands of visitors who marveled at its stunning beauty and grandeur. The Golden Gate Bridge quickly became a symbol of San Francisco and an iconic representation of American engineering prowess.
In the 1980s, the original lead-based paint was replaced with a more environmentally friendly coating. In the 1990s, seismic retrofitting was carried out to strengthen the bridge against earthquake damage.
Why is it Named Golden Gate Bridge?
The Artistic Eye Behind Architecture
The architectural designer of the bridge was Irving Morrow, who played a significant role in the aesthetics of the bridge. The first design by Joseph Strauss was rejected due to aesthetic reasons. After resubmission, Morrow added details such as lighting to outline the bridge’s cables and towers. The engineering design of the bridge was a collaboration between Joseph Strauss, Charles Ellis, and Leon Moisseiff.
Irving Morrow chose the famous International Orange color for the Golden Gate Bridge. He rejected other options, including the US Navy’s suggestion to paint the bridge with black and yellow stripes for visibility by passing ships. Instead, he selected the distinctive International Orange color, which was a primer of burnt red hue, because it blended well with the natural surroundings of the bridge and stood out against the sky and sea. He believed that the warm color of International Orange was visually pleasing and also provided enhanced visibility in foggy conditions for ships.
Challenges The Monument Faced
The beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge stands tall to this date, but it has gone through several challenges, whether climatic or constructional.
The strait where they were building had really strong tides, storms, and thick fog, which made it hard to work. During a fog on August 14, 1933, a big ship crashed into the bridge and caused a lot of damage. The workers also had a tough time because they had to break apart rocks underwater to put strong foundations in place. To keep the workers safe, Strauss invented a special net.
This net saved 19 men from falling and dying while they were building. But on February 17, 1937, the net didn’t work and collapsed when a platform fell. Out of the 13 men on the platform, one managed to jump and get out safely. Two survived the fall into the water, but sadly, 10 were killed. There was one more worker who fell and died during the construction, so in total, 11 workers lost their lives in four years.
The officials quickly closed the bridge to prevent another 600,000 people from crossing it. Afterward, the engineers said that the bridge was designed to flex and bend, so it was never in danger of collapsing.
Interesting Facts About Golden Gate Bridge
Tips for Travelers
There are several landmarks from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Apart from being a means of transportation, it is also a monument of timeless beauty. It signifies the human will to create wonders. Make this iconic location your next travel destination and mark it off of your bucket list.