PHILADELPHIA | FMC Tower @ Cira Centre South | 736 FT | 49 FLOORS - Page 102

hammersklavier · #**2021** Posted **Apr 16, 2015, 6:09 PM**

Bridges-wise streetscape improvements are more the landscape architects' domain.

Each and every single one of those ugly highway bridges over the Schuylkill replaced a beautiful Victorian or early 20th Century industrial-design one. Strickland Kneass' wrought-iron Chestnut Street bridge was easily the biggest loss.

http://www.phillyhistory.org/blog/in...street-bridge/

I often find myself wondering if we could attempt an homage in steel.

The Walnut and Spring Garden bridges were real lookers, too. I also wonder if it would've been possible to convert the original PRR Broad Street Station approach bridge whose abutments JFK now sits on.

techchallenger · #**2022** Posted **Apr 16, 2015, 7:16 PM**

^ Mother of Gothic Revival God.

1487 · #**2023** Posted **Apr 16, 2015, 8:23 PM**

they dont build them like THAT anymore. Its the same way if you compare the suspension bridges from the early 20th century to the modern cable stayed bridges. No comparison in the detailing and quality.

volguus zildrohar · #**2024** Posted **Apr 17, 2015, 6:29 PM**

Looks like there was an unfortunate fatality at the site this morning.

Worker dies after 80 foot fall in University City, from 6ABC.

Boku · #**2025** Posted **Apr 17, 2015, 7:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

Looks like there was an unfortunate fatality at the site this morning.

Worker dies after 80 foot fall in University City, from 6ABC.

Awful.

summersm343 · #**2026** Posted **Apr 18, 2015, 1:10 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

Looks like there was an unfortunate fatality at the site this morning.

Worker dies after 80 foot fall in University City, from 6ABC.

Very sad.

summersm343 · #**2027** Posted **Apr 18, 2015, 11:51 PM**

http://www.facilities.upenn.edu/maps...a-centre-south

philatonian · #**2028** Posted **Apr 19, 2015, 2:20 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammersklavier

Bridges-wise streetscape improvements are more the landscape architects' domain.

Each and every single one of those ugly highway bridges over the Schuylkill replaced a beautiful Victorian or early 20th Century industrial-design one. Strickland Kneass' wrought-iron Chestnut Street bridge was easily the biggest loss.

I often find myself wondering if we could attempt an homage in steel.

The Walnut and Spring Garden bridges were real lookers, too. I also wonder if it would've been possible to convert the original PRR Broad Street Station approach bridge whose abutments JFK now sits on.

Wow, those are amazing! Check out the truss (?) bridge in the background, the SEPTA bridge. Crazy.

It's unfortunate. Since bridges are always public projects, we always get concrete because it's cheap. Back in the day I think those bridges were really intended to showcase the state's steel industry. I doubt we'll see any replaced Schuylkill River bridges for a long time, but it wouldn't be unheard of for CHoP, Penn, or Drexel to build a pedestrian bridge, especially if they keep expanding into Center City.

Really a shame about the worker who fell from the FMC tower

williamphilapa · #**2029** Posted **Apr 19, 2015, 12:23 PM**

Update from 04.18.15 @2:55pm

apetrella802 · #**2030** Posted **Apr 19, 2015, 9:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by philatonian

Wow, those are amazing! Check out the truss (?) bridge in the background, the SEPTA bridge. Crazy.

It's unfortunate. Since bridges are always public projects, we always get concrete because it's cheap. Back in the day I think those bridges were really intended to showcase the state's steel industry. I doubt we'll see any replaced Schuylkill River bridges for a long time, but it wouldn't be unheard of for CHoP, Penn, or Drexel to build a pedestrian bridge, especially if they keep expanding into Center City.

Really a shame about the worker who fell from the FMC tower

If a highway engineer designs a bridge he will think of it as just an extension of the highway but if an architect designs a bridge he will think of it as a central element that connects two distinct parcels of land. It's the catalyst, the capstone, the crown that takes what was dormant and energizes the landscape. It also can have great symbolic power and meaning. The title "Pontifex Maximus", literally greatest bridge builder was used in ancient Rome and even became a title for the Pope. One who becomes a connection between people is as important as one who builds bridges and connects an Empire.

Kidphilly · #**2031** Posted **Apr 19, 2015, 10:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by philatonian

Wow, those are amazing! Check out the truss (?) bridge in the background, the SEPTA bridge. Crazy.

It's unfortunate. Since bridges are always public projects, we always get concrete because it's cheap. Back in the day I think those bridges were really intended to showcase the state's steel industry. I doubt we'll see any replaced Schuylkill River bridges for a long time, but it wouldn't be unheard of for CHoP, Penn, or Drexel to build a pedestrian bridge, especially if they keep expanding into Center City.

Really a shame about the worker who fell from the FMC tower

They have one proposed ( a pedestrian extension) not sure will ever happen but would basically cross to Spruce. I believe right where the Elevate crossing by the dog park and start of the boardwalk is on the CC side Looks nice not sure if it would ever happen

http://www.pennconnects.upenn.edu/ex...pus_vision.php

volguus zildrohar · #**2032** Posted **Apr 19, 2015, 11:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by apetrella802

If a highway engineer designs a bridge he will think of it as just an extension of the highway but if an architect designs a bridge he will think of it as a central element that connects two distinct parcels of land. It's the catalyst, the capstone, the crown that takes what was dormant and energizes the landscape. It also can have great symbolic power and meaning. The title "Pontifex Maximus", literally greatest bridge builder was used in ancient Rome and even became a title for the Pope. One who becomes a connection between people is as important as one who builds bridges and connects an Empire.

Public expenditures reflect values and values like that aren't relevant to the public anymore. We live in a sad era.

kingtut · #**2033** Posted **Apr 20, 2015, 12:07 AM**

Very wise words . Thank you .

1487 · #**2034** Posted **Apr 20, 2015, 12:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

Public expenditures reflect values and values like that aren't relevant to the public anymore. We live in a sad era.

exactly. If a bridge was designed like that today it would take longer to build and cost more- both things no highway dept (or any other government dept) wants to be associated with. You could see the headlines now. It would be seen as gold plating in an era where we should be getting as much as possible from every tax dollar.

skyscraper · #**2035** Posted **Apr 21, 2015, 12:24 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

Very sad.

"Authorities have not yet released information about what may have caused the man to fall."
Investigators have determined what caused the man to fall.
Gravity.

Londonee · #**2036** Posted **Apr 21, 2015, 1:39 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by volguus zildrohar

We live in a sad era.

Said every era ever.

PhiLaw · #**2037** Posted **Apr 21, 2015, 1:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyscraper

"Authorities have not yet released information about what may have caused the man to fall."
Investigators have determined what caused the man to fall.
Gravity.

Dude

PhiLaw · #**2038** Posted **Apr 21, 2015, 1:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonee

Said every era ever.

LOL. Bump

iheartphilly · #**2039** Posted **Apr 21, 2015, 6:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

Very sad.

FYI more info on the man who fell on the FMC construction tower.

http://www.gofundme.com/s9zm4mk

Kidphilly · #**2040** Posted **Apr 21, 2015, 6:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by iheartphilly

FYI more info on the man who fell on the FMC construction tower.

http://www.gofundme.com/s9zm4mk

very sad

Just goes to show these types of construction jobs can be very dangerous - even with safety measures. Just one wrong step can be disastrous. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family