Lego Architecture - The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic structure in Paris, France. Named after the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. 

In 1889 was the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and Paris hosted a World's Fair to mark the occasion. Three years before, there was a competition to get a centrepiece for the exhibition. Gustave's plan for 985-foot tower won.   

The tower was a success with the public. By the end of the 1889 World's Fair, there had been nearly two million visitors. However, Eiffel only had a permit for twenty years; it was due to be dismantled in 1909, as the ownership reverted back to the city. The city was going to take it down, but Eiffel argued that the structure was valuable to communication and scientific purposes. '...not only the art of the modern engineer, but also the century of industry and science in which we are living' - Gustave Eiffel. After the short campaign, it was allowed to remain. 

Gustave Eiffel 

1832-1923

Eiffel installed a meteorology lab on the third floor and later constructed a wind tunnel at the foot of the tower. He carried out thousands of tests there and saw many others uses the tower to study meteorology, astronomy and physics.

The tower was home to the original wireless telegraphy which secured it's future. The top of the tower has been modified to a growing number of antennas. Now its now home to over 120 antennas plus a television mast making the tower 1,063 feet taller. 

Today the Eiffel Tower remains one of the most recognizable structures in the world, seeing estimated seven million people through the doors each year. 

The building of the Eiffel Tower

The Lego Architect Book Review.

The Lego Architect

by Tom Alphin

Ever since the creation of the plastic brick in 1949, building creation and recreations out of the interlocking brick system has fascinated fans for generation. So it's not surprising it has branched out to architecture. Seeing many beautiful creations of buildings using many interesting techniques of Lego building to recreate these iconic sites. With this interest saw the introduction of the product series by Lego with Lego Architecture in 2008 and onwards.

This book by Tom Alphin, takes a look at the many different types and techniques of architecture and Lego creations. In each is a reasonable length of description on the history and definition of the type of architecture which is used. The interesting aspect of the book is the inclusion of building tips to help with creating your own model. I have never personally seen this in any Lego book before and I do wish to see more of it in more variety of Lego subjects. 

The Prairie House model

After the definition a number of amazing Lego model recreations by other great Lego builders which relate to this type of architecture that's mentioned.

After this there is a section to build your own little model as Tom Alphin has designed some great small Lego instructions to follow. Unusually the models you can create only uses one colour, white. It is interesting why he may have used a single and plain colour; as he might have been referring to architect design models which are normally used by architects to show and display their designs before it is built. 

The uses of the white can also be very helpful on obtaining the parts you need to build the models as a great source of this would be the Lego Architecture Studio set. However, not all the parts you need are in the set. Although using the Studio is most likely the easiest option you will still need to get a few additional pieces especially if you wish to make all of the models in the book. If you wish to do this I would advise to get more than one Lego Architecture Studio set.

The Art Deco

Movie Theatre model

Overall the book is interesting and full of information and Lego ideas to think about. The book is a beautiful addition to your bookshelf and a interesting read to past the time with. If you like the Lego Architecture series, architecture or architectural history. Worth a buy.