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Introduction
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It is located in Paris, France on the Champ de Mars. Construction was completed in 1889, just in time for the 1889 Universal Exposition. At the time of completion, it was the tallest structure in the world and held the title for forty-one years. It was the first man made structure to surpass one thousand feet. Today it is the second tallest structure in France after the Millau Viaduct. This project which seems to have followed a design-build approach was managed by head engineer and company owner, Gustave Eiffel.
Project Manager: Gustave Eiffel
Gustave Eiffel, Figure 1, was born in Dijon, France on December 15th, 1832. Figure 1: Gustave Eiffel
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Many of the competitors were outraged that an engineer could believe at “his iron monstrosity” would be chosen for the centrepiece of not only the Exposition but also the beautiful city of Paris (Jonnes, 2010). A French architect, Jules Boudais, began promoting his own design in February of 1885. Jonnes (2010) explains that his design was “a one-thousand-foot-tall Sun Column, a classical granite tower of elegant loggias enclosing a hollow center.” Bourdais challenged Eiffel’s design by asking “how elevators could go up and down inside his tower’s curved legs,” (Jonnes, 2010). For the year before the design was chosen architects attacked Eiffel’s design and tried to persuade the government into choosing Bourdois design, (Jonnes, 2010). Edouard Lockroy, France’s Minister of Trade, announced a change to the terms of the competition on May 1st, 1886. These changes stated that each entry had to be a design for an iron tower of three-hundred meters on the Champ de Mars, (“Eiffel Tower” Wikipedia, n.d.). This amendment made Eiffel’s design a guaranteed winner. All entries had to be submitted by May 18th, 1886. Jonnes (2010) states that “though Lockroy suggested that the design by for an iron tower of 300 meters, many among the 107 entrants ignored that guideline.” She then goes on to talk about the other designs that were submitted for …show more content…
The website article “Financing the Eiffel Tower” explains this contract in further detail and states that “Edouard Lockroy, minister and head committee of the 1889 World’s Fair, representing the state, Eugene Poubelle, representing the city of Paris and Gustave Eiffel, signed a Tripartite Concession Agreement,” (“Financing the Eiffel Tower”, 2013). This contract established that Eiffel was responsible for the design, construction, and financing of the Eiffel Tower. For twenty years after the Exposition was complete, the tower would be under Eiffel’s ownership and control. After twenty years the Eiffel Tower would be transferred to the City of Paris, (“Financing the Eiffel Tower”, 2013). This contract is referred to as a Build-Own/Operate-Transfer
The whole structure was built in a hurry, possibly in an effort to solidify the conquest. It is not nearly a remarkable an object as the twin churches in Caen. However, due to its protective design, it is an impregnable fortress, and its history as a prison, the tower has carved its place in history. Work on the stone building and exterior walls was begun in 1077. The main building, included a small cathedral in one corner, and rises three stories.
Each tower was 1,362 feet tall. When they were new, they were the tallest towers in the world and they held this record for two years (Abbot 1). The Sears Tower surpassed their record of the tallest towers in 1973 (Aderson 757). After his performance, Petit was arrested (Abbot 1). As part of his sentence, Petit was to perform his tightrope act at Central Park. Subsequent to his performance, Petit has done a number of tightrope acts (“Philippe Petit Biography” 1).
The Exposition held in Paris a few years prior unveiled the Eiffel Tower, possibly the most remarkable landmark of the time. In order to prove itself, America had to create a fair that would at least equal this engineering marvel. The first of the two men was Daniel Burnham, a gifted architect and the Fair's chief builder and organizer. He represents the American idealism that you can achieve the impossible, as was done at the Fair. The "White City" as the exposition became known as ...
The “White City” was a vast collection of architecture and arts that were put on display in the year 1893. The Chicago World Fair, also called the “White City”, was a major event in American history that impacted America’s culture, economic, and industry. The Chicago World Fair was held to honor Columbus’ discovery of the New World. The real reason why it was made was to proudly have back their wealth and power. Larson said, “the tower not only assured the eternal fame of its designer, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel but also offered graphic proof that France had edged out the United States for dominance in the realm of iron and steel…”(15). To accomplish this, architects led by Daniel Burnham and John Root made numerous buildings and beautiful scenery
However, it wasn’t until the construction of the Eiffel Tower that stirred Americans. “The [Eiffel] tower not only assured the eternal fame of its designer, Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, but also offered graphic proof that France had edged out the United States for dominance in the realm of iron and steel, despite the Brooklyn Bridge, the Horseshoe Curve, and other Undeniable accomplishments of American engineers.” (pg.15). Americans were baffled, how could France be ahead of the race that America started? Discussions of a fair to be built in Chicago were announced, the same men who were responsible for the rebuilding of Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871 would be on the committee for building this great fair (pg.16). This fair would be a display of modern or ancient times. Being that there was one in Paris, it was only right for America to have one, and the goal was for it to be bigger and better. Once approved by government officials and personnel on the committee, there was a decision to construct The Chicago’s World Fair; which would also be referred to as the World’s Columbian Exposition. The lead architects Daniel Burnham and John Root knew that failure wasn’t an option. They could not let the nation’s honor or reputation become tarnished (pg.33). Burnham and Root had the job of insuring the nation’s egotism and prominence by exceeding the expectations of civilians. This was an extremely hard job, for both Burnham and Root this would be their biggest challenge, yet they would excel due to their expertise and power to imagine and
Le Corbusier was a Swiss-French artist mostly known for his work in architecture, but also practiced some in painting, design, and writing. He was closely associated with the new “modern” architecture movement and was a leader in the new field of urban planning in the mid 20th century. The works he produced can be found in Europe, the United State, and India. His work was both widely praised and criticized throughout his life and after his death. In addition to producing many great works of architecture, Le Corbusier led a full and very interesting personal life.
The age old fortress stands as a monument of English and European history. Through monarchs, bloody battles, from prisoners to executions and a touch from all London’s prominent events in history, the Tower Of London is renowned for more than just its magnificent appearance.
The Tower of London is one of the most famous historical buildings in the world. Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1078, this grim, grey, and awe-inspiring tower, is the most haunted building in England. Perhaps the most well known ghostly residents of the Tower of London are the spirits of Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, The Princes in the Tower and among others.
It could be argued that the greatest architectural structure ever created by Canadians is the CN Tower. Construction on the CN Tower first started on February 6, 1973 and finished on June 26, 1976. The CN Tower was considered to be a breakthrough when it was first created because it broke a record set previously. Once the CN Tower was complete it gained the title as the “world’s tallest free-standing structure” at 1815.4 feet. The creation of the CN Tower was a defining moment for Canada and still impacts Canadians today. One reason why the CN Tower was a defining moment is because it solved a communication problem that the city of Toronto was experiencing at that time. Another reason why the CN Tower is important is because it helps our economy by attracting many tourists every year. The most important reason why the CN Tower was a defining moment is because it gives Canadians a sense of inspiration and national pride.
Its known that its existence could have the potential to one day spark the interest of young minds that could eventually help contribute to our world's future. Although he funded its creation to the city, he was unable to see it go through construction nor the outcome of what it has become. After his death, the city proceeded with its construction. It was crucial at the time, because World War 2 was occurring during that time. Furthermore, Griffith J. Griffith never saw its construction take place, but a motion picture room and telescope were essential for him to provide for the public.
Built in 1889 to commemorate the hundred year anniversary of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower has been a topic of discussion for numerous years. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and Morris Koechlin, the Tower was built originally as a temporary structure. The pieces of this eye-catching building were to be disassembled and melted down after twenty years. This did not happen, however. The Eiffel Tower has become a colossal icon throughout the world; the Tower has brought in enormous revenue and has a scientific impact on French and all of Europe’s society.
Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier are two very prominent names in the field of architecture. Both architects had different ideas concerning the relationship between humans and the environment. Their architectural styles were a reflection of how each could facilitate the person and the physical environment. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture and Le Corbusier s Villa Savoye helped define the progression that modern architecture was to take in the 20th Century. Both men are very fascinating and have strongly influenced my personal taste for modern architecture. Although Wright and Corbusier each had different views on how to design a house, they also had similar beliefs. This paper is a comparison of Frank Lloyd Wright‘s and Le Corbusier ‘s viewpoints exhibited through their two prominent houses, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye.
The Eiffel Tower was supposed to only be held for twenty years and then torn down, but didn’t because of its antennas that were useful for military and other causes. The French military used the Eiffel tower to communicate wirelessly with ships and intercept enemy messages during World War I. The Eiffel Tower has more than 120 antennas, using radio and television. The Eiffel Tower today has three platforms to two restaurants, banquets, and many gift shops. The first platform is 190 feet above the ground, the second platform is 376 feet, and the third platform is almost 900 feet up.
Even though, the Eiffel Tower is a renowned monument for France. Being that it was originally built as an entrance way, some precautions were made. The safety procedures distributed were moveable staging, guard rails and screens. So, only one man died during construction (“Building Eiffel Tower”). The tower stands 320 meters tall, it uses over 18,000 pieces in the steel structure. Each year the high heats cause the structure to grow six inches, but then retracts back after the summer time. So, that is why the idea of thermal rivets were used in assembly because the rivets allow the structure to keep its shape. Over 2.5 million rivets were used (“Building Eiffel Tower”). This construction cost France over 7.31 million francs. The tower was many different colors until they officially settled for bronze. It was red, mustard yellow, and even chestnut brown (“Chisholm”).