> But FIU's bridge was designed to mimic the dramatic look of a cable-stayed bridge, where the deck is suspended from cables fanning out from a tall mast. In FIGG's design, though, the "cables" — actually metal pipes — were mostly just for show. The diagonal, v-shaped struts of the truss did the structural work.

I've always found it useful to hone in on anything that is done purely for aesthetic reasons.

We build a house recently. I really wanted exposed rafters, there was some complexity around insulation, and the architect responded by proposing some "faux" rafters. The idea was so revolting that it prompted more examination, which identified some mistakes. In the end, a simpler, better, cheaper solution was found that did not have faux elements in it.