Leonardo’s Bridge

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Criteria

Category: Model, Construction, Material
Cost: low
Subject: Natural science
Age: 10 – 14, 14 – 19
Group: > 15
Duration: up to 2 hours

Abstract

Leonardo da Vinci built an arched bridge that could be put together without any fasteners such as nails, cables, clips, or glue. The structure of Leonardo’s bridge can take many different forms, but common to all is that the members are wedged together so cleverly that they are held together only by friction, and become stronger when bearing loads.

Objective

Leonardo’s bridge is a great way to learn about the physical principles of mechanics and statics, such as friction, loading force, self-correction mechanisms, loading diagrams, finding the center of gravity, angular momentum, etc. Topics are taken from the natural sciences as well as aesthetics, architecture, design, and history. The project creatively nurtures such skills as concentration, fine motor skills, visualization of spatial concepts, and teamwork.

This project was developed by: Monika Abendstein aut. architektur und tirol, Holzbaulehrstuhl der LFU Innsbruck and made possible by: Junge Uni Innsbruck, proHolz Tirol.

When you have done this project, please send us your feedback.