The most graceful freeway interchange is the ramps for the double-decker bridge over the Columbia in Portland. Second place goes to the intersection of I-90 and 405, near Seattle. That's just my opinion, of course. Most people cannot see the beauty in freeway interchanges, much less have an informed opinion.
The except from Stilgoe expresses a common sentiment that few people question: industry and infrastructure are ugly. Something about concrete and steel shuts off your eyes, and you stop looking, and you fail the see the perspective down the rail, or the pretty star shape made by two beams intersecting.
When the Beuno Vista Social club was on tour in New York, one of the band members was on the sidewalk, looking at all the traffic and buildings. He said:
"It's beautiful."
Erik, You may find a kindred spirit with Margaret Bourke-White, a photographer who saw beauty in industry. LDL
ReplyDeleteTry this site for a start: http://www.gallerym.com/artist.cfm?ID=17