Blog Chronicling Weekly Findings on Historic Construction in Rome Reaches 10,000 Hits
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger's Matthew Bronski uses direct observations of existing buildings to derive lessons regarding long-term durability and preservation while on fellowship in Rome.
WALTHAM, Mass. - March 25, 2010 - A weekly blog by Matthew Bronski, a senior staff member at the engineering firm Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH), recently surpassed 10,000 hits. The blog has grown rapidly in popularity since its inception in September, starting with fewer than 90 hits per week, and gradually building to a current readership of over 500 hits per week.
Bronski arrived in Rome in September 2009 to begin an 11-month fellowship, after receiving the National Endowment for the Arts Rome Prize in Historic Preservation and Conservation from the American Academy in Rome. While in Rome, Bronski is studying buildings that represent over 2,000 years of architecture. His hands-on studies investigate construction details from the first-century B.C. through the Renaissance, and will conclude with architecturally and historically significant 20th century modernist buildings.
Bronski's blog, "In the Footsteps of Vitruvuis" (http://mbronskiblog.sgh.com), shares his weekly observations with readers. Following the methodology of the first century B.C. Roman architect/engineer/planner/master builder Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (Vitruvius), Bronski uses direct observations of existing buildings to derive lessons regarding long-term durability, design, and preservation. Bronski intends for his study to be used to improve the preservation of historic buildings and the durability of new buildings through a deeper understanding of the inherent limitations or advantages of specific construction details.
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Media Contact: Franceen Shaughnessy, Corporate Marketing Specialist, fashaughnessy@sgh.com, 781-904-9114
About Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) is a national engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures. Our award-winning work encompasses building, transportation, water/wastewater, and nuclear/science/defense projects throughout the United States and in more than 30 other countries.
SGH has offices in Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.sgh.com.