Eero Saarinen: Mindblowing Architect & Designer of the Mid-20th Century

TWA Flight Center, designed by Eero Saarinen exterior showing the concrete forms and large glass panels. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons). Creative Commons license: CC BY-SA 4.0.

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The purpose of architecture is to shelter and enhance man's life on earth and to fulfill his belief in the nobility of his existence.

Eero Saarinen

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Part 1: Early Life and Influences

Eero Saarinen, born in 1910 in Kirkkonummi, Finland, would go on to become one of the most influential architects of the mid-20th century. His architectural designs redefined the landscape of modern America, and his innovative approach to form, materials, and space continues to provoke and inspire architects and designers today.

A Finnish Begining Eero Saarinen's early life was marked by a strong connection to his Finnish heritage. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was a renowned architect in Finland, known for his pioneering work in the Art Nouveau and National Romantic architectural styles. Eliel's designs, such as the Helsinki Central Railway Station, exhibited a fusion of traditional Finnish aesthetics with innovative structural techniques. This early exposure to architecture undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping Eero's future career.

Photograph of the Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen (1910–1961). (Image source: Public Domain).

In 1923, the Saarinen family relocated to the United States, where Eliel had accepted a position as the head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. This move exposed Eero to a brand new cultural milieu, where he encountered a dynamic mix of architectural styles, from the historicism of the East Coast to the emerging modernist movement in the West.

Educational Foundations Eero Saarinen's educational journey was a crucial step in his development as an architect. He attended the Cranbrook School, where his father served as the director of the institution. Cranbrook, with its stunning campus designed by Eliel Saarinen himself, fostered an environment where Eero could explore his creative talents. This nurturing atmosphere allowed him to experiment with various artistic forms, including sculpture, furniture design, and, of course, architecture.

To me the drawn language is a very revealing language: one can see in a few lines whether a man is really an architect.

Eero Saarinen

After graduating from Cranbrook, Eero Saarinen pursued a degree in architecture at Yale University. At Yale, he came under the influence of prominent architects such as Charles Eames and Marcel Breuer, who were invited as visiting faculty. This exposure to modernist luminaries ignited Eero's passion for innovative design and propelled him into the world of architecture.

International Influences Eero Saarinen's architectural education extended beyond the United States. In 1934, he received a scholarship to study abroad, which led him to work briefly for Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, another figurehead of modernist architecture. Aalto's work, characterized by its humanistic approach to design and emphasis on nature, left a profound impact on Eero.

Returning to the United States, Saarinen joined the architectural practice of his father and became increasingly involved in projects such as the Cranbrook Academy of Art and the First Christian Church in Columbus, Indiana. These early collaborations helped Eero refine his design sensibilities, blending his European and American influences into a unique architectural vision.

Part 2: Shaping American Modernism

The Gateway Arch: An Icon of Modern America Eero Saarinen's career reached new heights with the design of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. This monumental stainless steel structure, completed in 1965, serves as a symbol of America's westward expansion and stands as a testament to Saarinen's innovative design prowess. The arch's graceful curve and minimalist aesthetic make it an enduring emblem of 20th-century architecture.

The 630-foot high stainless steel arch, designed by the late Eero Saarinen, symbolizes the opening of the West following the Louisiana Purchase. The Arch was dedicated on May 25, 1968. Gateway Arch National Park (formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial). (Image source: Public Domain).

The design process for the Gateway Arch was an engineering and architectural triumph. Saarinen worked closely with structural engineer Hannskarl Bandel, exploring a range of design concepts before settling on the iconic catenary curve. The arch's construction presented numerous challenges, but the final result is a testament to Saarinen's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what architecture could achieve.

The TWA Flight Center: A Vision of Futuristic Travel Another iconic Saarinen project, the TWA Flight Center at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, encapsulates the optimism and futurism of the mid-20th century. Completed in 1962, the TWA Flight Center is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design. Its swooping, wing-like roof, and futuristic interior spaces were designed to evoke the sensation of flight itself.

Trans World Airlines Flight Center (now Terminal 5), John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica Bay, Queens, New York, USA. Architect: Eero Sarinen. This image was created by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Library of Congress. (Image source: Public Domain).

The TWA Flight Center exemplifies Saarinen's ability to infuse his buildings with a sense of movement and dynamism. The use of concrete shells and expansive glass walls created an open, airy interior that was both functional and visually striking. As Saarinen himself expressed:

I have come to the conviction - that once one embarks on a concept for a building, this concept has to be exaggerated and overstated and repeated in every part of its interior, so that wherever you are - inside or outside - the building sings with the same message.

Eero Saarinen

Despite all the people at TWA on Sunday, the natural flow of Eero Saarinen's terminal enhanced the curves of the building and helped disperse the crowds. TWA Flight Center. Photo by Diana Friedman. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons). Creative Commons license: CC BY-SA 4.0.

While the TWA Flight Center is no longer in use as an airport terminal, its historic preservation and adaptive reuse efforts ensure that it continues to captivate visitors with its timeless design.

The Miller House: A Marriage of Architecture and Landscape Eero Saarinen's talents were not limited to large-scale public buildings. He also left his mark on residential architecture, as demonstrated by his design of the Miller House in Columbus, Indiana. Completed in 1957, this house is a prime example of the mid-century modern architectural style and reflects Saarinen's interest in blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Miller house, Columbus, Indiana, 1953-57. Living area from the terrace. This work is from the Korab Collection at the Library of Congress. (Image source: Public Domain).

The Miller House is characterized by its flat roof, open floor plan, and extensive use of glass to connect the interior with the carefully landscaped exterior. Saarinen collaborated with landscape architect Dan Kiley to create a harmonious integration of architecture and nature. The house and its surrounding gardens were designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000, preserving this architectural gem.

Miller House, Ontario, Canada, 1950-52. Terrace. This work is from the Korab Collection at the Library of Congress. (Image source: Public Domain).

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Part 3: Heritage and Influence Shaping American Modernism : The Dulles International Airport Eero Saarinen's legacy in airport design is further exemplified by his work on the Washington Dulles International Airport. Completed in 1962, this airport terminal is a masterclass in functionalist architecture. The structure features a bold and sweeping roof supported by a series of slender concrete columns, giving the terminal an almost ethereal appearance.

Dulles International Airport, Chantilly, Virginia, 1958-63 (Expanded by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 1998-2000). Perspective, Interior and model. These works are from the Korab Collection at the Library of Congress. (Image source: Public Domain).

Saarinen's design for Dulles International Airport aimed to capture the spirit of flight and travel. The open and uncluttered interior, flooded with natural light through expansive glass walls, offered passengers a sense of spaciousness and calm as they embarked on their journeys. The Dulles Airport terminal remains an iconic example of airport architecture, emphasizing efficiency and passenger experience.

The Impact of Saarinen's Furniture Designs Eero Saarinen's design sensibilities extended beyond architecture and into the realm of furniture. His furniture designs, such as the Tulip Chair and the Womb Chair, are revered for their elegant simplicity and ergonomic comfort. These pieces have become iconic examples of mid-century modern design and continue to be popular choices in contemporary interiors.

Eero Saarinen's "Tulip Chair" in collaboration with Charles Eames, taken into production by the Knoll furniture company. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons). Creative Commons license: CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Tulip Chair, for instance, features a single, sculpted pedestal base and a fluid, organic form that eliminates the need for four separate legs. Saarinen stated about his vision for the design:

I wanted to clear up the slum of legs… I wanted to make the chair all one thing again.

Eero Saarinen

This innovation not only showcased Saarinen's commitment to aesthetics but also his consideration for functionality and space-saving design. His furniture designs have inspired generations of designers and continue to be celebrated in the world of interior design and furnishings.

Eero Saarinen's Influence on Urban Planning Beyond individual buildings and furniture, Eero Saarinen's architectural philosophy had a profound impact on urban planning. His emphasis on creating integrated spaces that considered both the human experience and the surrounding environment inspired a shift in urban design towards more livable and aesthetically pleasing cities.

Saarinen's work, especially his designs for the Gateway Arch and TWA Flight Center, demonstrated how architecture could become an integral part of a city's identity. These landmarks encouraged the idea that cities should not only be functional - but also beautiful and inspiring. His vision has hugely influenced contemporary urban planners who seek to create cities that blend architectural innovation with quality of life for their residents.

Preservation and Restoration of Saarinen's Works Preservation efforts for Saarinen's buildings have become increasingly important as his works have aged. The National Park Service and other preservation organizations have worked diligently to maintain the structural integrity and historical significance of Saarinen's landmarks.

In some cases, adaptive reuse has become the solution for repurposing Saarinen's buildings for modern needs while preserving their architectural significance. For example, the TWA Flight Center was transformed into a hotel in 2019, ensuring that its iconic design continues to be experienced by a new generation of travelers.

Eero Saarinen's contributions to architecture encompassed a broad spectrum of design, from iconic buildings to innovative furniture. His ability to merge functionality with artistic expression, coupled with his dedication to structural innovation, has solidified his place in the pantheon of architectural greats.