The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, recognized by people across the globe. But how was this incredible structure built? Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind the construction of this engineering masterpiece.
Origins and Design The idea for the Eiffel Tower was first conceived in 1884 as part of the preparations for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Out of 107 proposals, the project designed by Gustave Eiffel, Maurice Koechlin, Émile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre was selected.
Eiffel and his team envisioned a 300-meter-tall (984 feet) iron tower as the centerpiece of the fair. Their innovative design featured a large pyramidal structure supported by four truss-connected columns meeting at the top. This configuration, patented by Nouguier and Koechlin, allowed them to construct a tower of an unimaginable height.
Sauvestre later added decorative elements like arches, glass halls, and a light bulb-shaped top to the design, giving the tower its distinctive Parisian flair.
Construction on the Eiffel Tower began on January 26, 1887 and was completed in just over two years, finishing on March 31, 1889 – a remarkable feat of engineering and efficiency.
The project required the work of 150 skilled engineers and designers who created 18,038 metal parts based on 5,300 workshop plans. On-site, between 150 and 300 workers labored tirelessly, installing 2.5 million rivets to join the 7,300 tons of iron.
The construction progressed in three main stages: the completion of the first floor on April 1, 1888, the second floor on August 14, 1888, and finally the summit on March 31, 1889. Five elevators were installed to transport visitors up the tower.
A Technical and Visual Triumph The Eiffel Tower not only represented an incredible technical achievement, but also a work of art. Eiffel’s innovative design and Sauvestre’s aesthetic touches combined to create a structure that was both highly functional and visually striking.
When it was unveiled at the 1889 World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower captivated the world and has remained an enduring symbol of Paris and French engineering prowess ever since. To this day, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of those who brought this architectural marvel to life.
