The Eiffel Tower

Artist

Gustave Eiffel

Date

1887-89

Location

Paris

Patron

the French world fair

Size

324 metres tall

Materials

wrought iron (puddled), coated in bronze paint

Stylistic influences

railway architecture

Function

initially an observatory - a landmark of Parisian modernity.

What contributed to its construction?

250 men, 50 engineers, 100 iron workers and 121 construction workers.

What happened in its funding?

final cost 7.8m francs - was funded 25% by the committee, Gustave was said to pay off the remaining construction funds, in return gained the towers profits for the next 20 years.

What does its height contribute?

recognisable - 41 years was the tallest man made structure in the world, the height of the tower raised in 1957 with the addition of an aerial - varies 15cm due to temperature.

What was it inspired by?

the wooden latting observatory in 1853, NewYork.

What was it built for?

The Paris world fair of 1859, to commemorate and demonstrate french progress from the revolution.

What technqiues did Gustave himself adapt in his structures?

compressed air caissons and hollow cast iron piers

What was Gustave known for as well as architecture?

engineering - specialised in metal construction and bridges.

architectural elements

18,000 pre fabricated pieces - 16 ribs within iron shoe, hydraulic juggs for alignment, arched legs carry the foundation.

latticed surface detailing for aerodynamic strcture, blaconies that jutt out to indicate the separation of each level.

What influenced the engineering?

the mass production of iron and steel in the 19th century that radically transformed the nature of engineering and construction.

What was used as a basis for the structure?

an iron arch railway bridge that is flipped to create a standing structure.

What did artists against the Eiffel tower initially state?

‘useless and monstrous’

what did Gustave state in response?

‘beauty does not concern us in our construction… it will at the same time be a striking proof of progress.’