The Eiffel Tower Project

Concept Phase: The Eiffel Tower project was a concept proposed by the Centennial Exposition Committee for the World Paris Fair Exposition and even though there was a purpose in mind, it wasn’t determined what the exact contribution or income this project would bring to the country. This project wasn’t a necessity for the country, it was more a form to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. But, in all event, a decision was made to continue with the initial concept of the project. After the concept was made cleared by the project sponsor, in this case the Committee of the Paris Exposition, it became a matter of selecting the proper plan and identifying a project manager who would make it possible. It is during this phase, which I will call The Initiation Phase, in which different artists submit the plans for the monument that would be built in the central part of Paris. Gustave Eiffel was able to make a compelling case for his 300 meter iron tower: he also stressed his tower's usefulness in such areas as meteorology and optical telegraphy, its certain popular success and relatively modest cost, and finally, the certainty that his tower could realistically be constructed. After selecting the project proposal/plan, the construction was granted to Eiffel et Compagnie, a consulting and construction firm owed by the acclaimed bridge builder architect and metal expert Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel. Gustave Eiffel became the project manager, as well as one of the sponsors of such a monument. Throughout the construction of the tower, Eiffel established a separate company in order to manage the tower, with most of the money being provided ...

... middle of paper ...

...ated. The only big issue with this whole project was that the contract that was awarded to Eiffel indicated that he was the only responsible party for the project involving the tower, which included the construction, finances, and maintenance during the exhibition. But, the good thing that came out of this was that Gustave Eiffel proved to be very dedicated and a very good project manager. He never left sight of what the final project outcome would be. Gustave Eiffel stayed on top of the project, in constant sight of his workers and was so dedicated to this project that he fulfilled every detail to the minimum. Eiffel made it obvious that he wasn’t expecting anything but perfection with this project. He planned every detail, to the point that he set new standards for accuracy in design and speed of construction with a very modest work force (Plumley, n.d.).