Donald MacDonald of MacDonald Architects is an industry titan that has worked on some of the most impressives bridges in the United States. Currently, his most exciting project would be the Bay Bridge in San Francisco that has been making headlines for its partnership with Google.

We chatted with Donald, and asked him to introduce the project and comment on the innovations.

“Google Earth is using the Bay Bridge as a prototype to show the future of the completed bridge by modeling its eastern span. The bridge uses several advanced engineering elements such as a bubble curtain to prevent the killing of fish while pile driving the pylons 300 feet into the mud, link beams for seismic defense and a unique cable system. Innovative ideas and buildings materials have helped make this bridge a success. It has been an exciting long term project and I look forward to a satisfying drive over the bridge in the near future.”

More about Donald MacDonald: Mr. MacDonald has over 30 years experience in architectural design, historic rehabilitation, planning, contract administration, and construction management of complex projects. In 1983 the American Institute of Architects recognized his achievements in design by endowing Fellowship to the AIA in the outstanding design category.

Mr. MacDonald has provided design services for bridge structures over the past twenty years. During this time, he has developed specific expertise in establishing design guidelines for aesthetics for both new and historical bridges, as well as aesthetics for seismic rehabilitation. This expertise has been honed through his work on the seismic rehabilitation of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, the design of the new East Span of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, and other bridges, elevated roadways, and viaducts throughout the United States.

It is amazing to see Google, and architecture come together. With Google Earth, one can literally have the world’s geographic information at your fingertips.