Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing - Gizmodo Comments

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Jimjobob — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:45:09 EDT

Looks like the bottom side of a mushroom, a poisonous one at that.

Jimjobob

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Jimjobob — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:35:56 EDT

Leave it to the French to make the Fleur de Lis into a Merde de Lise.

Jimjobob

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

hoserelder — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:53:17 EDT

"I was worried I was going to get pickpocketed the entire time I was waiting."

Ah. The Americans are so easy to spot... (especially the Texans)

C'mon, dude. We climbed UP the tower to the second deck, we took the stairs! All 600+ of them. After a climb like that, the line for the lift is nothin'.

hoserelder

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

jetexas — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:35:10 EDT

@Netscott: I was worried I was going to get pickpocketed the entire time I was waiting. Then it too so long to get to the top, and the line was so long to get down, I said, "screw this," and just took the stairs because I was late for a dinner cruise down the Seine.

That was a looooooong walk down.

jetexas

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Netscott — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:25:14 EDT

I live in Paris and this idea is super craptacular. Having on numerous occasions had to wait in line to go up the Eiffel Tower with visiting friends and family I can understand why they would want to increase its capacity but at what cost? I sincerely hope that this does not come to pass. It totally ruins the beautiful simple lines of the Eiffel Tower. Somehow having to wait makes actually getting up to the top a better experience in that you have to earn your way there and are rewarded with the great experience of seeing Paris from so high up.

-Scott

Netscott

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

rraszews — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:23:50 EDT

@Tensor: I don't know if it's still true (or, for that matter) if it was really true then), but about fifteen years ago when I was in school, we were taught that all the bolts in the Eiffel Tower are original -- no maintenance replacements.

rraszews

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

rraszews — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:22:01 EDT

@TheCyberBob: It may be worth pointing out that the tower itself was also "Temporary". They built it with every intention of taking it down again after the World's Fair.

rraszews

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

FLskydiver — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:52:05 EDT

That just made BASE jumping from the upper level a hell of a lot less technical. Awesome.

FLskydiver

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Arelar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:29:27 EDT

oh wow, i read somewhere they were planning to turn it upside down for Bastille day, I guess Sarcozi has other plans.

Arelar

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

DWD — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:42:28 EDT

Il est très laid.

DWD

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

SarasiPodalirius — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:17:40 EDT

@TheCyberBob:
Comment on Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing Don't forget the Eiffel Tower itself was meant to be only a temporary structure ...

SarasiPodalirius

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

SuppleMonkey — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:33:25 EDT

@twoeightnine: @Tensor:

Hey, okay ... there's original construction, which is ostensibly "meant to last" (skip the whole "the tower was only temporary" schtick). Then there's temporary stuff which is NOT meant to last.

I'm just sayin'.

SuppleMonkey

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

uberfu — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:09:52 EDT

I think the French need to find a non-french designer_

uberfu

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

uberfu — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:09:20 EDT

@Out2gtcha: nope - you'll be able to stand on the very edge w/o the worry of being blocked or held back by some stinking "barrier" or railing system_

uberfu

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

paulnptld — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:39:09 EDT

Are they renaming it "The Eiffel Flower?"

paulnptld

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Tensor — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:31:03 EDT

@SuppleMonkey: It's temporary and "simply bolted in place" huh? Wow, sounds incredibly safe.

It has to be temporary as its one, if not the, most known structures in the world. To alter it permanently would be almost sacrilegious.

And as twoeightnine said, just how do you think the rest of the tower is held up? yup 120yr old bolts (ok there were obviously maintenance replacements, but you get the idea).

Tensor

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Red Right Hand — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 22:21:29 EDT

@Out2gtcha: Cherokee, and anybody wasting the rest of the worlds time by stating the obvious is a waste of oxygen and a master of nothing.

Red Right Hand

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

twoeightnine — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:51:09 EDT

It doesn't go with the existing architecture of the tower

Open lattice-work, a symmetrical design mimicking the slope of the towers legs, curves that mirror the arches below them... nope, doesn't go at all.

twoeightnine

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

strider_mt2k — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:45:54 EDT

@smegz: It's never stopped them before...

strider_mt2k

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

twoeightnine — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:44:03 EDT

It's temporary and "simply bolted in place" huh? Wow, sounds incredibly safe.

Umm, how do you think the tower itself is held up? A giant tube of glue?

twoeightnine

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

smegz — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 20:36:27 EDT

For those calling this "tasteful" or "cool looking" have no clue! This is a monstrosity! It doesn't go with the existing architecture of the tower, it looks like a flattened badminton bird stuck randomly on the top. Kinda looks like the business end of a ski pole. Don't do it France! At least not with that piece of crap.

smegz

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

hoserelder — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:58:08 EDT

Apparently, the ice rink and scuba lessons weren't 'out there' enough...?

hoserelder

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

hoserelder — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:55:41 EDT

"And then we will give Lady Liberty grillz. "

Hey, at least we can still go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Did the Statue of Liberty's observation decks ever reopen?

Keep in mind too; there's a scale replica of our Beloved Lady of Freedom just up the river from the Eiffel Tower, too. (Much better photo opportunities than the real one)

hoserelder

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

stingray — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:21:11 EDT

fugly

stingray

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

pardyhardy — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:54:35 EDT

That's shocking... maybe next China will make the Great Wall of China into a roller coaster. And then we will give Lady Liberty grillz. With diamonds. Yeah. Diamonds.

pardyhardy

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

vagrant — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:50:20 EDT

I like it and think it is a good idea. The first level is big and can handle many people, but the second and third are obviously smaller. If you can visit during the week and between Fall and Spring, you'll miss most of the tourists.

Anyways, I like the look of it. I'll swing by if and when it's put into place. (Don't forget to send a friend a post card stamped from the tower.)

vagrant

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

SuppleMonkey — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:34:26 EDT

It's temporary and "simply bolted in place" huh? Wow, sounds incredibly safe.

SuppleMonkey

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

mthrndr — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:47:47 EDT

The Eiffel tower just became the mascot for These Guys.

mthrndr

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Gloria — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:19:55 EDT

I like it. Good to know the French have a sense of humour and whismy even about their most famous icon.

All you art buffs out there would know these were pretty much the same reactions when the Tower was first unveiled. Taste changes.

Gloria

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

dapigu8 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:11:47 EDT

nnnnnnNNNOOOOOOOoOooOOOOOOOOOOOoooOoOoOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

dapigu8

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

aec007 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:00:35 EDT

Interesting but awful...
They should just cover it with a giant condom.
It's France right?

aec007

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Out2gtcha — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:51:28 EDT

@Red Right Hand:
Ah, I see your French; or just not a master of the obvious yet.

@trendspotter:
As usual, no one is catering to douchebaggery these days....

Out2gtcha

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

OldCrow — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:32:54 EDT

Leave it to the French to F-up their own design.

OldCrow

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

vote Obama — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:26:38 EDT

@TheCyberBob: so was the original tower - temporary that is....

vote Obama

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

cyborgtroy — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:26:17 EDT

Another cool thing in France that's an eyesore for a few years until it inexplicably becomes a national landmark.

Built on top of the previous eyesore which somehow became a national symbol of France.

cyborgtroy

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Bodypainter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:06:39 EDT

it's supposed to be temporary? wait... wasn't the eiffel tower also supposed to be temporary? ;-)

Bodypainter

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

HummerMan3 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:58:58 EDT

I bet this is as "temporary" as that dumb Mickey Mouse hand on the side of the EPCOT ball in Disney World. At least this looks a little better.

HummerMan3

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

auroragb — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:54:58 EDT

So, Paris was like Google of their times, Eiffel tower never came out of beta, so no matter what they do, people can't complain about it.

auroragb

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Set to evil — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:45:00 EDT

Shouldn't they just fly a big white flag? (I'm just saying)

Set to evil

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

xthemusicmanx — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:33:52 EDT

Funny part is...the Eiffel Tower was originally "temporary" when it was built for the World Fair 120 years ago...way to keep with the "temporary" idea guys...lol

xthemusicmanx

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

DaOtter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:27:01 EDT

I've seen some stupid ideas in my time, and this is one of them. Paris, and by extension, all of France, is defined by pretty much one thing: the famed Eiffel shape (well, that and wine and cheese, both of which are made better in Cali, but who cares). Talk about the mustache on the Mona Lisa... >.<

DaOtter

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

trendspotter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:24:20 EDT

@Out2gtcha: I think the railings will just hold in the morons, douche-bags will have to fend for themselves as per usual.

trendspotter

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

vinchbr — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:23:30 EDT

it wouldn´t be the same =)

vinchbr

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

trendspotter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:21:42 EDT

@faabshaam: I hope the French don't come over and do something to the Statue of Liberty; its property of the USA, no backsies.

trendspotter

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

EmptyRepublic — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:21:15 EDT

Meh, glad it's temporary. It doesn't look that good in my opinion though it's a nice touch to accommodate tourists. If they wanted something more permanent I hope they do a design the incorporates better with the original tower.

EmptyRepublic

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Barry99705 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:18:22 EDT

@Red Right Hand: You're my hero for the day!

Barry99705

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Boognish — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:17:42 EDT

pretty cool I'd like to get a contrasting phot of it to match this [www.ikea.com]

Boognish

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Bash_ — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:16:54 EDT

was about to freak before I read the temporary thing... but I guess its a fine thing to do TEMPARERILY... maybe =/

Bash_

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

SecretAsianMan — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:15:43 EDT

Ugh. This is as tacky as sticking a high tech new addition to something as classic and iconic as the Eiffel tower. Wait a second...

SecretAsianMan

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

speakerwizard — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:15:01 EDT

@TheCyberBob:

well, the eiffel tower itself was built to be temporary, so what do you class as too much effort.

speakerwizard

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Y2KGTP — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:13:55 EDT

Looks like some sort of new dish to pick up the 700mhz band.

Y2KGTP

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Galley — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:12:45 EDT

Remember the Citroën sign that was on the tower from 1925 to 1934?
[en.wikipedia.org]

Galley

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Stang70Fastback — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:09:14 EDT

@TheCyberBob: Still, though, at least it's not as bad as those temporary waterfalls on the Hudson river.

Stang70Fastback

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Way — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:05:16 EDT

Good Morning, Paris:
[foxweb.marist.edu]

Way

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Way — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:04:38 EDT

@Way: For reference,

Way

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

frigg — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:03:14 EDT

@TheDeotch: If you were a big enough giant and had a big enough lawn, the Eiffel Tower with this handy addition would make a perfect single-tined cultivator. You'd basically use the pointy side of the Tower to stab at the earth and prepare it for planting.

Of course, if you were that big a giant and were visiting Paris, you might prefer to pick yourself up a hoe rather than a cultivator. Perhaps you could find both in the same arrondissement?

frigg

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

ret3 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:57:16 EDT

And in another 120 years, it'll get a "temporary" holographic projector installed...

ret3

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Red Right Hand — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:56:02 EDT

@Out2gtcha: No dumbass, actually they are gonna give it a downhill slope and spread grease on it.

Red Right Hand

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

jetexas — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:54:38 EDT

Temporary? I thought this was going to make my library of pre-platform pictures jump in value.

jetexas

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

ret3 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:54:17 EDT

@UofITom: It would be fitting, given that the tower itself was suposed to be temporary.

ret3

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Lstormy10 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:54:13 EDT

@TheCyberBob:
Whoever came up with the idea is probably thinking that it will catch on and become permanent - just like how the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be temporary and become a permanent fixture.

Lstormy10

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Leonard Nimrod — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:53:55 EDT

@TheCyberBob: The tower was also built as a temporary structure for the World's Fair. But the once eyesore made it's money back much quicker than expected and became an iconic symbol of Paris. It's possible that this could also be a permanent structure or kept in place a lot longer than initially intended.

Leonard Nimrod

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

ianmac47 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:53:22 EDT

The tower itself was temporary too.

ianmac47

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

ShinySideUp — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:53:20 EDT

@SirDrinksalot:
Break the deal - get the wheel.

ShinySideUp

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

lostarchitect — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:52:35 EDT

the tower itself was originally temporary. i bet they get too lazy to take this thing down.

lostarchitect

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

faabshaam — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:48:49 EDT

pretty cool. Wonder if they'll do anything to the Statue of Liberty after seeing its success

faabshaam

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Out2gtcha — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:47:41 EDT

It's wrong to be French.

That being said, I hope they have some sort of incorporated railing system to contain the sight-seeing douche-bags and morons who may get a tad too close to the edge......

Out2gtcha

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

jonny — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:46:24 EDT

Naw.

jonny

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

monkeyrotica — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:43:53 EDT

Looks like a busted IUD to me.

monkeyrotica

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Way — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:42:43 EDT

Paris was jealous of the Seattle skyline, as featured at the beginning of each episode of Frasier.

Way

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

UofITom — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:41:38 EDT

I bet it becomes permanent.

UofITom

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

SirDrinksalot — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:40:20 EDT

Two men enter. One man leaves!

SirDrinksalot

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

Lavallee017 — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:40:11 EDT

tasteful new spin on an old icon. The temporary status is probably a good thing as many would up in arms if the skyline changed forever just to give tourists a place to stand. But I think it looks pretty damn cool.

any idea how long it will be on there?

Lavallee017

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

TheDeotch — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:40:10 EDT

@frigg: ...what?

TheDeotch

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

frigg — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:38:01 EDT

If you were a giant, this would make the Eiffel Tower into a useful garden tool.

frigg

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

TheCyberBob — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:36:29 EDT

It's kinda cool looking but seems like an awful lot of work and money for something that is "temporary".

TheCyberBob

Eiffel Tower Getting Huge Observation Deck Made of Kevlar Webbing

craig — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:33:17 EDT

Wait...it's not April 1st yet.

craig