‘Phare du Monde’ Concept – Designed by Eugène Freyssinet, France, 1933 (h/t Retronaut.com)
Phare du Monde (“Lighthouse of the world”) was an observation tower planned for the 1937 World Fair in Paris, France. The Phare du Monde, advertised as a “Pleasure Tower Half Mile High” was designed by Eugène Freyssinet, and was to be a 701 metre (2,300 feet) tall concrete tower with a light beacon and a restaurant on the top. A spiralling road on the outside of the tower shaft was to be built for driving access to a height of 1,640 feet, to a parking garage for 500 cars. This focus on the car in such an eye-catching construction has been seen as proof of the car (by 1939) having become “the primary force in determining the appearance of the ordinary landscape of cities.” The costs were estimated to have been $2.5 million; it was never built.
This image is from the, July, 1933, issue of Modern Mechanix Magazine. To read the article click here. It’s interesting that most of the comments on that post refer to the dangers of the outside spiraling auto ramp. Even with today’s standards that would be a daring proposal. Perhaps this part of the design was one of the major stumbling blocks in having the tower built.
Still, it was a grand idea.
wow.. that was a cool idea for the time.
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It really was. Eugène Freyssine, the designer, was a visionary man. He didn’t just design things, he was also a structural/civil engineer who helped develop the idea of prestressed concrete. The modern world owes a big thanks to his work. That tower would have been a great testament to his genius.
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It certainly was the work of a man thinking way outside the box… I always admire that.
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Me too – always making the world a bit more of an interesting place.
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Reblogged this on muscleheaded and commented:
What a view this would have had !!!
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On a clear day, you would see forever. =)
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Or at the least, the best of La Belle France !!! 🙂
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Yeah – 😉
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The World’s Fairs are a fascinating subject. Incredible how many outlandish structures were proposed and built and inspired by the desire to impress, create and tempt visitors from all over the world.
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It all seemed to be very exciting. There was so much enthusiasm for the world of tomorrow today – with each nation trying to best the other. I’d rather have that kind of playful competition than the world of today where most things are based on artificial markets or means of destruction.
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We come close with the Olympics…must investment in infrastructure, welcoming visitors, hosting an amazing event, making memories with the best intentions…the spirit of the games is similar to the spirit of the WFs…
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