Isambard Kingdom Brunel
December 4, 2007 at 8:35 pm 6 comments
Besides all the knowledge and experience, we also need inspiration to motivate our spirit and drive us forward. When it comes to inspiration, I would like to introduce you to one of the greatest inspirations for me: Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859). The most genius structural designer, engineer, and project manager in heavy construction. The most intense man in the business. He smoked 40 cigars per day and slept 4 hours per day. His designs were years ahead of their time.
Fig. 1. Brunel posing before giant chains for launching of SS Great Eastern.
You can read more about this gentleman in Wikipedia or browse with Google. You can also watch the BBC Documentary video: Seven Wonders of the Industrial World: The Great Eastern, which follows the construction of SS Great Eastern and final days of Brunel. Trust me, this man really kicks ass. Below are pictures of some of his remarkable works.
Fig. 2. The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the Avon Gorge.
Fig. 3. The Royal Albert Bridge.
Fig. 4. SS Great Eastern shortly before her launch in 1858.
** End of Article **
Entry filed under: Great Engineers, Interludes. Tags: .
1.
Rory W, Allen | February 8, 2008 at 12:03 am
from Rory W. Allen born Plymouth 5/3/30 (St Piran’s Day)
anccestral family paternal The Allens of Co Cork – way back
maternal the Vincents, Kingsoms and mitchells of
Cormwall
Dear i/c of a Very Informative and useful blog – Good Work -
But please add to it that websites and even university profesors and
universities must correct Isambard’s name.
He was not Ismabard K. Brunel, but Isambard-Kingdom Brunel
and was Cornish !!!. Not French- as conveyed by the surname of
plain Brunel
His mother was in our family line.
Please professors, websites, one and all uget his name right !!!
Regards Rory W, Allen
————————————————————————————-g
mnote the hyphen. His mother was a Kingdom from the very large Kingdom family n
2. Building mighty dreams | MetaFilter | April 9, 2008 at 10:47 pm
[...] built the first underwater tunnel, Paddington Station and inspired engineers everywhere. His legacy lives on in his works, a university, a museum or two among others. posted by infini (21 comments total) 10 [...]
3.
isambard thomas | October 14, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Isambard Kingdom Brunel (no hyphen) was half french – his father Marc Isambard Brunel was french, and his mother english (Sophia Kingdom).
He was my great-great-great grandfather.
4.
Mark | June 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm
please can i use your picture of
Fig. 1. Brunel posing before giant chains for launching of SS Great Eastern.
thankyou
Mark
5.
isadikin | June 24, 2009 at 2:14 am
Of course, mate!
6.
Tyree Orr | June 14, 2010 at 2:16 pm
This was a Good post, I will be sure to save this in my Reddit account. Have a awesome evening.