99% Invisible

Brilliantly Boring

112 snips
Oct 11, 2024
Discover the fascinating backstory of the podcast's title and how it relates to the unnoticed brilliance of everyday design. Explore Japan’s artistic manhole covers that blend function with cultural flair. Delve into the history of the Albert Lake Bridge and the evolution of reinforced concrete, revealing its revolutionary impact on modern infrastructure. The narrative dives into the beauty of urban design and emphasizes the importance of maintaining our aging structures while celebrating the elegance hidden in the world around us.
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ANECDOTE

Other Manhole Cover Designs

  • Nashua, New Hampshire's triangular manhole covers indicate water flow direction.
  • Seattle's feature embedded city maps for wayfinding.
INSIGHT

Mars's Law

  • Roman Mars introduces "Mars's Law": exposed rebar in a film foreshadows impalement.
  • This highlights his fascination with the often-overlooked material.
ANECDOTE

Alfred Lake Bridge

  • Roman Mars discusses the Alfred Lake Bridge, an early reinforced concrete structure.
  • Its current state of disrepair belies its historical significance.
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