On January 5, 1933 construction began on the Golden Gate bridge, linking San Francisco to Marin County, CA. With a main span of 4,200 feet, it would be the longest suspension bridge in the world from it’s completion in 1937 until 1941. Lest you think the hassles of getting projects approved are unique to our times, read what bridge engineer and poet Joseph Strauss went through (from The Free Dictionary):

Strauss spent more than a decade drumming up support in Northern California.^[14] The bridge faced opposition, including litigation, from many sources. The Department of War was concerned that the bridge would interfere with ship traffic; the navy feared that a ship collision or sabotage to the bridge could block the entrance to one of its main harbors. Unions demanded guarantees that local workers would be favored for construction jobs. Southern Pacific Railroad, one of the most powerful business interests in California, opposed the bridge as competition to its ferry fleet and filed a lawsuit against the project, leading to a mass boycott of the ferry service.^[7] In May 1924, Colonel Herbert Deakyne held the second hearing on the Bridge on behalf of theSecretary of War in a request to use Federal land for construction. Deakyne, on behalf of the Secretary of War, approved the transfer of land needed for the bridge structure and leading roads to the “Bridging the Golden Gate Association” and both San Francisco County and Marin County, pending further bridge plans by Strauss.^[15]Another ally was the fledgling automobile industry, which supported the development of roads and bridges to increase demand for automobiles.^[10]

As I read the rest of the article, I discovered that the International Orange color was originally applied as a sealant. Then local folks liked the color and pushed for it not to be painted the traditional silver or gray. That’s a good lesson for me, when considering various designs, no matter how utilitarian, to think deeply about the color.

I’ve seen lots of excellent color selections over the years and a few nightmares. I’ve noticed a trend. On every great color selection, the person or group doing the choosing really struggles with the decision and takes what seems like too much time to get it made. I’ve become convinced that great color decisions need time and struggle.

I’m fairly certain that this blog post is the only review of the golden gate bridge that decided the most important attribute of the bridge was its color. That’s just how I roll. By the way, let me be the last person to wish you a Happy New Year for 2012. Get Living.