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Top 10 Unusual Engineering Projects That Became Tourist Attractions

Top 10 Unusual Engineering Projects That Became Tourist Attractions

Engineering projects are usually not associated with tourism. However, there are some engineering projects that have become popular tourist attractions due to their unusual designs or functions. In this article, we will explore the top 10 unusual engineering projects that have become tourist attractions around the world.

1. Millau Viaduct, France

The Millau Viaduct is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Tarn Valley in southern France. It was designed by British architect Norman Foster and built by French construction company Eiffage. At 343 meters (1,125 feet) tall, it is the tallest bridge in the world. The bridge has become a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning design and scenic location.

2. The Eden Project, UK

The Eden Project is a botanical garden located in Cornwall, UK. It features two giant biomes, each housing a different collection of plants from around the world. The biomes are made of a steel frame covered in a transparent membrane, which helps to regulate temperature and humidity. The project has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique design and educational exhibits.

3. The Atomium, Belgium

The Atomium is a landmark building in Brussels, Belgium. It was built for the 1958 World Expo and is shaped like a giant atom. The building is 102 meters (335 feet) tall and features nine steel spheres connected by tubes. The spheres house various exhibits, including a restaurant and a panoramic view of the city. The Atomium has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique design and views of the city.

4. The Big Dig, USA

The Big Dig was a massive engineering project that rerouted Boston's central artery, an elevated highway that ran through the city. The project involved building a series of tunnels and bridges that now carry traffic underground. The project lasted from 1991 to 2007 and cost over $14 billion. The Big Dig has become a popular tourist attraction due to its engineering feat and its impact on the city's transportation system.

5. The Deltaworks, Netherlands

The Deltaworks is a series of engineering projects located in the Netherlands. The projects were built to protect the country from flooding due to rising sea levels. The projects include dikes, dams, and storm surge barriers that can be closed during storms. The Deltaworks have become a popular tourist attraction due to their importance in protecting the country from flooding.

6. The Singapore Flyer, Singapore

The Singapore Flyer is a giant Ferris wheel located in Singapore. It stands at 165 meters (541 feet) tall and features 28 air-conditioned capsules that can hold up to 28 people each. The ride takes 30 minutes to complete and offers panoramic views of the city. The Singapore Flyer has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique design and views of the city.

7. The Hoover Dam, USA

The Hoover Dam is a dam located on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada in the United States. It was built during the Great Depression and took five years to complete. The dam is 221 meters (726 feet) tall and generates hydroelectric power for three states. The Hoover Dam has become a popular tourist attraction due to its engineering feat and its impact on the surrounding area.

8. The Panama Canal, Panama

The Panama Canal is a canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the country of Panama. It was built between 1904 and 1914 and is 82 kilometers (51 miles) long. The canal is a major shipping route, allowing ships to bypass the longer route around the southern tip of South America. The Panama Canal has become a popular tourist attraction due to its engineering feat and its importance in international trade.

9. The Burj Khalifa, UAE

The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It stands at 828 meters (2,716 feet) tall and has 163 floors. The building was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and opened in 2010. It has become a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning design and panoramic views of the city.

10. The Leshan Giant Buddha, China

The Leshan Giant Buddha is a statue of Buddha located in Sichuan province, China. It is carved out of a cliff overlooking the confluence of three rivers. The statue is 71 meters (233 feet) tall and was built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). It has become a popular tourist attraction due to its impressive size and historical significance.

FAQs:

Q: Why do some engineering projects become tourist attractions?

Engineering projects that have unusual designs or functions can become popular tourist attractions due to their visual appeal or historical significance.

Q: What is the purpose of the Deltaworks?

The Deltaworks were built to protect the Netherlands from flooding due to rising sea levels.

Q: How long does it take to complete a ride on the Singapore Flyer?

The Singapore Flyer ride takes 30 minutes to complete.

Q: What is the significance of the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is a major shipping route, allowing ships to bypass the longer route around the southern tip of South America. It is important in international trade.

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Originally published: 

April 14, 2023

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Jason

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I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality.
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