2002 OPAL Recipients

Eugene C. Figg, Jr., who passed away March 20 and will be presented the OPAL posthumously, was the founder of Figg Engineering Group, which specializes in the design of major bridgeswith an emphasis on precast segmental bridges and cable-stayed bridges. He was recognized by Engineering News-Record magazine as having made a difference in design and construction within the past 125 years. His focus was on aesthetic and cost-effective bridges, and his efforts were recognized with 139 design awards. Additionally, he was an advocate for public involvement in bridge design.

He conducted the public meetings that accompany the construction of major bridges and lead design charettes with communities to help them arrive at decisions regarding the appearance of the proposed bridge while remaining within budget parameters. As the director of bridge art, Figg led his firm in aesthetic design, and his work was recognized by three Presidential Awards from the National Endowment for the Arts and by the 1988 George S. Richardson Medal for the design of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, in Tampa, Florida. His aesthetic approach led to signature bridges throughout the United States that have achieved national recognition.

He was a founder of the American Segmental Bridge Institute, served for eight years as a trustee of the National Building Museum, was a past president of the Florida Engineering Society, and was a fellow of both ASCE and the Florida Engineering Society.

Related information:
Obituary in the Tallahassee Democrat