Hey, it’s Nick here from Earlymark, and today I want to take you on a virtual journey to the heart of Paris, where the iconic Eiffel Tower stands tall.
And we’re excited to share with you some fascinating fun facts about this global landmark that every engineer and architect should know.
Fun Fact #1: The Most Visited Monument in the World
According to the French, the Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world. However, as an Aussie, I have to say that the Sydney Harbour Bridge gives it a run for its money, especially during peak hour when you’re running late!
Fun Fact #2: The Design Competition
In 1886, a design competition was held to build a monumental tower in Paris. The two finalists were:
- Gustave Eiffel, an engineer who proposed a 1,000-foot high metal structure (the Eiffel Tower as we know it today)
- Jules Bordais, an architect who proposed an even bigger tower made of granite and porphyry
Gustave Eiffel’s smart pitch, which focused on affordability, buildability, and the dual use of the tower for scientific and defense purposes, ultimately won him the competition. This decision was met with protests from the architectural industry in Paris, who were disappointed that an engineer, rather than an architect, won the design for the monument. Can you imagine that happening anywhere else but Paris?
Fun Fact #3: Design Life and Maintenance
The Eiffel Tower, as part of the design brief, was only meant to last for 20 years before being demolished. However, Gustave Eiffel was passionate about ensuring his creation would endure. He installed meteorological and astronomical features, conducted wind studies and physics experiments, and even added a communication tower for national defense.
So, how has the tower stood for 120 years longer than its anticipated design life? The answer lies in maintenance, maintenance, maintenance! When the Eiffel Tower was first painted, it took 60 tons of paint to coat it. Gustave specified that it needed to be recoated every seven years, and it has now been recoated 19 times in its life, with colors ranging from Venetian red to yellow, orange, and the now-famous Eiffel Tower brown.
The Eiffel Tower in Numbers
The construction of the Eiffel Tower was a remarkable endeavor:
- 500 designers
- Just over two years to build
- 150 fabricators
- Almost 300 workers on-site
- 18,000 bits of metal put together
- 2.5 million rivets (I might start counting them now: 1, 2, …)
So, the next time you see the Eiffel Tower, whether in person or on television, remember the incredible engineering, design, and maintenance that have gone into creating and preserving this iconic structure. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and the importance of specification writing in ensuring that our built environment stands the test of time.
Call to Action:
Ready to create your own iconic structure? Partner with Earlymark for expert specification consulting services. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to ensure that your project is designed, built, and maintained to the highest standards. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life.
Engage with Us:
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the Eiffel Tower’s fascinating history and the importance of maintenance in ensuring its longevity. Have you ever visited the Eiffel Tower or do you have plans to see it in person? Share your experiences, stories, or questions in the comments below.