Colossus of Rhodes:
Was the structure effective for its' stated purpose?
Yes.
http://www.rhodesguide.com/rhodes/colossus_rhodes.php
The Colossus of Rhodes was an ancient statue that was built in around 280 BC on the Greek island of Rhodes. The structure was intended to be a symbol of victory and wealth, as well as a dedication to the Greek god Helios.
In terms of its stated purpose, which was to serve as a symbol and a landmark, the Colossus of Rhodes was indeed effective. The statue stood at an estimated height of about 108 feet (33 meters), making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world. It was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and attracted visitors from far and wide, drawing attention to the city of Rhodes and its grandeur.
However, it's important to note that the Colossus of Rhodes was not built as a defensive structure, despite popular belief. Contrary to the common misconception that the statue's legs spanned the entrance to the harbor and acted as columns for ships to pass under, there is no historical evidence to support this notion.
To answer your question, if we consider the intended purpose of the Colossus of Rhodes in terms of being a symbol and a landmark, it was indeed effective. It symbolized the wealth and power of Rhodes and attracted tourists and visitors. However, as a defensive structure or strategic installation, it did not serve its stated purpose.