the idea has proven consequential in the realm of architecture. structures that have a spiritual meaning, that inspire and create a connection between the spiritual world and the physical world, that are erected as monuments to commemorate are achievements can be considered to be inspired by the axis mundi. the pyramids that have been erected throughout human history serve as perfect examples of axis mundi. a skyscraper, as the term itself suggests, suggests the connection of earth and sky, as do spire structures of all sorts. such buildings come to be regarded as "centers" of an inhabited area, or even the world, and serve as icons of its ideals. the first skyscraper of modern times, the eiffel tower, exemplifies this role. the structure was erected in 1889 in paris, france, to serve as the centerpiece for the exposition universelle, making it a symbolic world center from the planning stages. it has served as an iconic image for the city and the nation ever since. landmark skyscrapers often take names that clearly identify them as centers.