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In an interview in the newspaper Le Temps of February
14 1887, Eiffel gave a reply to the artists' protest, neatly summing up
his artistic doctrine.
"For my part I believe that the Tower will possess
its own beauty. |
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Are we to believe
that because one is an engineer, one is not preoccupied by beauty in one's
constructions, or that one does not seek to create elegance as well as
solidity and durability ? Is it not true that the very conditions which
give strength also conform to the hidden rules of harmony ? (...) Now
to what phenomenon did I have to 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. Likewise the many empty spaces built into the very elements
of construction will clearly display the constant concern not to submit
any unnecessary surfaces to the violent action of hurricanes, which could
threaten the stability of the edifice. Moreover there is an attraction
in the colossal, and a singular delight to which ordinary theories of art
are scarcely applicable". |