Boulder City in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Design the Dream with Science & Art
Journeys & Heroes
Photographed by Sandra Tidwell Hughes, September 9, 2025
1. Design the Dream with Science & Art Marker
Design Philosophy of the Bypass Corridor
The Project's Corridor Design Manual presented principles for combining design aesthetics with efficient structural engineering to assure that the design excellence of today would honor that of Hoover Dam in its day.
The Mission Statement called for delivering a cost-effective facility of the highest quality that is aesthetically pleasing, sensitive to the environment, culture, and history; that functions as intended; and is a source of pride to the nation. The Aesthetic Philosophy abides by the motto "form follows function." The design of the project features was defined by appropriate engineering solutions, enhanced by architectural refinements, to create a cohesive and coordinated corridor character. Furthermore, the corridor contains landforms in a natural state, as well as modified by humans. The aesthetic approach to the new Bypass designs responds to the differing conditions. Thus, slopes, retaining walls, and structures near Hoover Dam received an "engineered" appearance, while those at the further extent of the project corridor receive a more "natural" refinement.
The Science of Engineering
The engineering solution for the River Bridge responds to the same unchanging principles of physics, addressed at Hoover Dam, while using the latest advances of science in construction methods and materials. The arch shape of the bridge spanning the canyon employs the same structural principles that the dam uses in holding back the lake. The upright bridge arch transfers vertical gravity forces downward into the canyon walls; the reposing dam arch transfers horizontal water pressure sideways the same way. The geometric symmetry of the arch balances the loads at both ends while locking together the tapered blocks composing the arch. Unlike the heavy, solid concrete
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The Art of Architecture
The architecture refinements of the River Bridge structure elements complement the twentieth-century Modern character of Hoover Dam by creating artistic forms that express structural functions. The shapes of the arch and column segments demonstrate how the engineers and architects blended science and art. To satisfy the functional need for a lightweight bridge structure, engineers developed a system of open box segments for the arch and stackable segments (like hollow building blocks) for the columns of the River Bridge. In detailing these enormous reinforced concrete units, the designers met structural and architectural needs by camfering (cutting off) the corners of the rectangular segments. The chamfered edges are stronger than square corners and help "shed" the wind. They also create artistic highlighting of the bridge members in sunlight. This one seemingly simple detail unites the complexities of science and art.
Mike
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, September 9, 2025
2. Design the Dream with Science & Art Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts.
Location. 36° 0.881′ N, 114° 44.674′ W. Marker is in Boulder City, Nevada, in Clark County. It is on Hoover Dam Access Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 81 Hoover Dam Access Road, Boulder City NV 89005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Nevada’s Colorado River Valley, in the Mojave Desert, and in Greater Las Vegas. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Enjoying the Ride with Celebration & Pride (here, next to this marker); Raise the Road on Columns & Deck (here, next to this marker); Protecting the Place of Nature & History (here, next to this marker); Span The Gap with Cables 7 Arch (here, next to this marker); Choose the Site for Crossing & Bridge (here, next to this marker); Clear the Way of Switchyard & Towers (here, next to this marker); Lay the Path with Cut & Fill (here, next to this marker); America's Finest (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boulder City.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 29, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on September 28, 2025, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
