The initial design of the Eiffel Tower proposed by Gustave Eiffel was under sharp criticism from many of the people in France. Among the critics were fellow designers, the common people, and even the government initially.  Many of the critics attacked the tower for its lack of aesthetics. Many of the people thought of the tower not as pretty and beautiful tower but as a rather abstract and ugly structure. Many people today cannot fathom why they did not approve of Gustave Eiffel’s design. However, in context, this large objection to the design of the Eiffel Tower can be more comprehensible. During the late 19th century, there was a certain “accepted” design within the structure of European structures. Often times, there was a conservative culture in Europe where any new and liberal designs were considered unpopular and improper.

Also, one of the main component in the design of the Eiffel Tower was for its stability and engineering finesse. Gustave Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower, undertook a great amount of study to understand the components of the preservation of a tower as tall as the Eiffel Tower. At the time, the Eiffel Tower would become the tallest tower in all of the world and would in fact stay that way until 1930 where the Sears Tower overtook the Eiffel Tower in terms of height. Many components in the design of the Eiffel Tower were considered. Among them were the design, balance, metal type, and wind resistance; in fact, Gustave Eiffel took wind resistant as one of the most important things to consider. He stated in the French newspaper, Le Temps, on February 14, 1887 “Now to what phenomenon did I give primary concern in designing the Tower? It was wind resistance. Well then! I hold that the curvature of the monument's four outer edges, which is as mathematical calculation dictated it should be... will give a great impression of strength and beauty, for it will reveal to the eyes of the observer the boldness of the design as a whole.” The Eiffel Tower was also calculated using exponential figures rather than new theories of differential equations. Exponential equations were used at the base of the tower to ensure optimal wind resistance. Thus, Gustave Eiffel used many different calculations and methods to design and construct the Eiffel Tower to perfection.  

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