The Eiffel Tower was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel and his company, Eiffel et Cie. He was a French civil engineer and his company specialized in bridges and metal structures. He was also very interested in engineering, aerodynamics and science.
Gustave Eiffel was commissioned to design the tower in 1887 as part of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world's fair to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The fair was intended to be a celebration of French culture and industry, so he was asked to design a striking tower that would act as the 'gateway' to the show.
The Eiffel Tower turned out to be an architectural and artistic icon. Its strong yet light-weight iron framework, comprised of 600 tons of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets, was a wonder of modern engineering. The tower's form was designed to be able to withstand strong winds, and it had a new kind of iron, puddled iron, which was stronger than any other type.
The combination of aesthetic, engineering and scientific qualities made the Eiffel Tower seal its place as a revered and beloved landmark in Paris and the world. More than 130 years later, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in the world and is still a lasting symbol of France's engineering prowess and creativity.
References:
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eiffel-Tower
- https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/555418/history-eiffel-tower-french-revolution