No one has such a unique style of building bridges as Calatrava, who is trained as an engineer and architect. He focuses not only on profile, shape, and unique solutions but he pays close attention to the underside of the bridge. This book is full of his very intriguing bridge styles with CAD drawings to complement the models and photos of the finished works. There are some essays at the end of the book (some by him) that outline his design philosophy and discuss the controversy his bridges have provoked.

Calatrava's works define contemporay. I might also recommend a look at Wilkinson/Eyre's bridge projects which are in a different style but equally creative.

I saw the book in the library in my university and since the this time i want to have this book. I'm Civil Engienier and in this momenst i'm studing a master degree in México.

Many books on contemporary Japanese architecture are designed as glossy coffee table books surrounding historical essays. Webster has finally struck upon a combination of technological accuracy, anthropological context and plain good writing. I believe that these three factors each alone are important to the research of Japanese Postmodern architecture, but through Columbia University and Anthony Webster, all three have been woven together to produce an informative AND interesting read

The author, Anthony Webster, presents a revealing study of British imperialism, looking primarily at the nineteenth century formalization of the British Empire in Southeast Asia. He uses only English language sources, and nothing written in any other language, which I found disappointing because while what he presents is interesting a balance is missing, it is all from the British perspective. I read a lot of history and I like having an author use sources from more than one party. He uses governmental papers as well as material gathered together from many of the businesses that were present in the region. It's great on discussing events and British interests in various areas of Southeast Asia, and doesn't concentrate just on India, which is a big plus. Also, he drew clear pictures of the distinctions and similarities between regions and peoples. He also tells his reader a lot about the various crops and products produced, but while he is talking about all this I kept looking for maps to help me better understand the movement of goods from one place to another and to get a better sense of the terrain. It was very helpful in providing a review of the most contemporary historiography and I think I can use that in at least one college class. Over all I enjoyed it and found it helpful in understanding some of what went on in the region.