A bridge could be considered a lot of different things. From literal to metaphorical, a connection over water or a link to the past and present. In the end, share a common purpose, to bring two things together. In the literal sense bridges overcome obstacles, whether that obstacle is a river or valley. Metaphorically, bridges can connect the future to the past or an illustration of a change. Anyway you put it everyone has had an experience with bridges.

It all started with a talk about Leonardo Da Vinci and the types of bridge he made. Then during the winter we went on a walk through downtown Cleveland to look at bridges. On this trip we had to take pictures and notes of the different bridges. Specifically on the bridge we chose and were then assigned to. From there we began to research its history and current condition using the internet and secondary sources.

After the walk and research we did, we then had to create a fictional narrative pertaining to the same bridge. It was probably the most memorable experience about the bridges. The story I created was about how two different groups of people not liking each other were united by a falling bridge. The story involved different similes and metaphors to make it interesting.

Through a variety art projects, the study of aesthetics were instilled. Bridges can be made as beautiful and functional and serve the same purpose. Technical drawing of a bridges, prototypes and failures are critical in the process of building bridges. As an assessment in school we had to design a bridge within some boundaries using trusses and paper. We worked in groups of two and made a lot of technical drawing before the building phase. We chose to create a suspension bridge that was very difficult but completed in the end.

“What is a bridge?” was the first question that sprung our imagination and brainstorming process. This mastery assessment brought everything together and guaranteed us of our answer. During some projects we were restricted to very small amount of materials that made us think and work as a group to complete the task at hand. As a result of this project we now know that a bridge has more then one definition, the best part in a song, a connection of one part of land to another, a link to the past and future, or simple as a little wire completing a circuit. Every time I think about a bridge I become more open minded.