Gustav Eiffel was a French engineer and architect, best known for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Born on December 15, 1832, he specialized in metal structures and played a significant role in the development of iron construction techniques during the 19th century. Eiffel's work extended beyond the Eiffel Tower; he also contributed to the design of the Gare de Lyon train station and the Statue of Liberty's iron framework. His innovative approaches to engineering helped shape modern architecture, and he became a prominent figure in the field before his death on December 27, 1923.