When the Eiffel Tower made its grand debut in late spring of 1889, it received mixed reviews. Yet, one reaction stood out: visitors were struck by how the world around them seemed diminished by the towering structure.

Climbing its 363 steps to the first floor, followed by 31 more to the second, brave souls discovered a transformed perspective, looking down upon a world where people resembled tiny ants.

This symbol of upward mobility and order encapsulated the essence of modernism in its infancy. From the tower’s vantage point, Paris unfurled like a map—a view previously seen only from the lofty heights of a hot air balloon. The Ottoman grid, the World’s Fair pavilions, and the ambient sounds of the venue faded into silence, creating a unique panorama.

The thrill of ascending the Tower climaxes in serene heights, where the harsh odors of horse manure and soot dissipate. On clear days, the vistas stretch to Fontainebleau, Normandy, the White Cliffs of Dover, and the battlefield of Waterloo, offering a vision that hints at the future.

In the early months after its opening, climbers of the Eiffel Tower meticulously documented their impressions, capturing the freshness of its view. Accounts from that era convey the awe-inspired murmurs of those who stood atop the Tower. One reporter, recounting Gustave Eiffel’s pre-opening climb, described the experience in vivid prose, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such an ascent, unmatched since Notre Dame de Paris.

Photography immortalized the Eiffel Tower from every conceivable angle, establishing it as a global symbol of Paris. In a modern twist, Building Information Modeling (BIM) now preserves this collective memory in 3D. The City of Paris used BIM for the Grand Site Tour Eiffel project, creating a digital model of a 133-acre area that includes the iconic tower, making it the largest city model in the world. Developed in collaboration with Autodesk, the model contains 342 GB of point cloud data, meticulously replicating every building, road, tree, and fountain.

This extensive model serves a dual purpose: it not only immortalizes the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings but also guides their ongoing renovation. At the intersection of history, technology, and urban planning, this remarkable project ensures that the legacy of the Eiffel Tower endures—not only in collective memory but also within the meticulous details of the digital realm.

The allure of the Eiffel Tower endures through time, captivating imaginations since its debut in 1889. A striking blend of architectural marvel and symbol of modernism, the Tower transformed perceptions, offering a bird’s-eye view that rendered the world below in miniature.

The courageous souls who ascended its steps were rewarded with a unique panorama, watching Paris unfold like a meticulously crafted map. The shift from the city’s cacophony to the tranquility of the heights mirrored society’s transition toward order and progress.

In the early days after its inauguration, climbers recorded their observations, capturing a sense of wonder that echoes through history. A reporter’s vivid account of Gustave Eiffel’s pre-opening ascent evokes the pioneering spirit of the time, highlighting the novel experience of climbing this unparalleled structure.

Fast-forward to the present, where technological advancements have embraced the Eiffel Tower’s legacy. Building Information Modeling (BIM) now serves as a modern medium to immortalize this iconic landmark. In collaboration with Autodesk, the City of Paris meticulously crafted the world’s largest city model, encompassing the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings.