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Contents
The construction of a Parisian icon: design & architectural style of Eiffel Tower
Who designed and built the Eiffel Tower?
One of the world's greatest wonders, the Eiffel Tower, took only 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days to build. The engineers and architects who made it possible are:
Gustave Eiffel
Gustave Eiffel was a visionary French engineer best known for the Eiffel Tower. Before that, he made his mark designing bridges, including the Garabit Viaduct. His company also built the metal framework for the Statue of Liberty. After retiring, he shifted focus to meteorology and aerodynamics, proving he was always ahead of his time.
Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin
Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin were the brains behind the Eiffel Tower’s design. As top engineers in Eiffel’s company, they sketched out the tower’s original concept in 1887. Their expertise in structural engineering helped turn an ambitious idea into one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Stephen Sauvestre
Stephen Sauvestre gave the Eiffel Tower its signature look. Brought in to refine Nouguier and Koechlin’s design, he added decorative arches, a glass pavilion, and a top cupola—transforming the tower from a raw structure into a masterpiece. His vision helped win over critics and even Gustave Eiffel himself.
Want to learn more about the Eiffel Tower’s history? Read our Eiffel Tower history guide.
Eiffel Tower architectural style: A modern engineering feat
Unlike the Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque, and Renaissance styles that dominated 19th-century Paris, the Eiffel Tower was a bold leap into modern engineering.
Key features:
- Lattice iron design: Inspired by the 1853 Latting Observatory in New York.
- Precision engineering: Built with 18,000+ iron pieces, joined by 2.5 million rivets.
- Wind-resistant structure: The curved form reduces wind pressure, allowing the tower to sway only up to 9 cm in storms.
- Massive four-leg base: Distributes weight evenly, eliminating the need for deep foundations.
🔎 Why did Eiffel choose iron?
At the time, reinforced concrete wasn’t widely used, but puddle iron— the same material in railway bridges— was:
- Lighter & more flexible: Withstands strong winds.
- Durable: Built to last, and over 130 years later, it’s still standing strong.
This groundbreaking approach made the Eiffel Tower a blueprint for modern skyscrapers and a true revolution in architecture.
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Why is the Eiffel Tower repainted every 7 years?
To protect it from rust and oxidation, the tower has been repainted 19 times since it was built. But how does the repainting process work?
- Surface preparation: The entire tower is stripped and cleaned.
- Rust-proofing: Two coats of anti-rust primer are applied.
- Final coat: A protective paint layer gives the tower its signature look.
⛅ Why does the weather matter?
Repainting only happens in dry, mild weather to ensure the paint adheres properly. This process happens every 7 years, using traditional methods—meaning painters still work with harnesses, safety nets, and lines.
Changing colors through history
The Eiffel Tower has had several color makeovers over the years:
1887-88: Venetian Red
1889: Reddish-Brown
1899: Yellow-orange gradient (light yellow at the top!)
1907-47: Yellow-Brown
1954-61: Brownish-Red
1968 - Present: Eiffel Tower brown, with a gradient (darkest at the bottom, lightest at the top)
Is the Eiffel Tower rusting?
Recent reports say the tower is riddled with rust and needs serious repairs. Ideally, 30% of the structure should be stripped, treated, and repainted. However, due to delays and budget constraints, generally only 5% of the tower is gets treated in a €60 million paint job ahead of major events like the Paris Olympics.
While puddle iron (the tower’s material) can last forever with proper maintenance, factors like pollution, weather, and even bird droppings keep the restoration teams busy!
Frequently asked questions about the Eiffel Tower architecture
What inspired the Eiffel Tower’s design?
The Latting Observatory (New York, 1853) and early iron bridge designs influenced its framework.
Why is the Eiffel Tower famous for its architecture?
Its lattice iron design, wind resistance, and height made it a groundbreaking engineering marvel in 1889.
How is the Eiffel Tower structured?
It has four legs supporting an open-frame iron skeleton, tapering into a single tower column at the top.
Why does the Eiffel Tower sway?
The flexible iron design absorbs wind force, causing the tower to sway up to 9 cm in strong winds.
Can I see the original Eiffel Tower blueprints?
Yes! The Eiffel Tower’s first sketches are displayed in Gustave Eiffel’s office at the summit.
Why did some artists and intellectuals oppose the Eiffel Tower?
Many Parisian artists and intellectuals, including Guy de Maupassant and Charles Gounod, saw the Eiffel Tower as an ugly monstrosity that clashed with Paris’s classical architecture. Over time, it became one of the world’s most beloved landmarks.
How does sunlight affect the Eiffel Tower’s height?
Due to thermal expansion, the tower grows by up to 15 cm (6 inches) in summer and shrinks in winter. The south side expands more in the heat, causing the top of the tower to slightly lean away from the sun.
What would happen if the Eiffel Tower were made of solid metal?
If the Eiffel Tower were made of solid iron, instead of its lattice structure, it would be too heavy to support itself and would collapse under its own weight. The open framework keeps it light yet strong.
