Eero Saarinen: A Part of the Fabric of American history

Eero Saarinen, a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer, is a name that continues to resonate in the design world. Born in 1910 in Kirkkonummi, Finland, and later immigrating to the United States with his family in 1923, Saarinen’s impact on modern architecture and design remains profound. With a career spanning from the 1940s to the early 1960s, his innovative and iconic designs have become a part of the fabric of American history. This article delves into the life and work of Eero Saarinen, exploring his unique approach to design and examining the lasting influence of his legacy.

Eero Saarinen, a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer, is a name that continues to resonate in the design world. Born in 1910 in Kirkkonummi, Finland, and later immigrating to the United States with his family in 1923, Saarinen’s impact on modern architecture and design remains profound. With a career spanning from the 1940s to the early 1960s, his innovative and iconic designs have become a part of the fabric of American history. This article delves into the life and work of Eero Saarinen, exploring his unique approach to design and examining the lasting influence of his legacy.

Early Life and Education

Eero Saarinen was born into a family with a rich design heritage. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was a renowned Finnish architect and his mother, Loja Saarinen, a textile artist. As a result, Eero was exposed to the world of design from a young age, honing his skills and cultivating a deep passion for architecture.

After completing his schooling, Saarinen enrolled at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, a progressive design school founded by his father. It was at Cranbrook where Eero formed significant relationships with other young designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll, and Harry Bertoia. Later, he continued his education at Yale School of Architecture, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture in 1934.

Career and Design Philosophy

Eero Saarinen’s career took off in the 1940s, when he began collaborating with Charles Eames. Together, they experimented with new materials and techniques, aiming to create affordable and aesthetically pleasing furniture. In 1948, Saarinen’s design for the Womb Chair was released by Knoll, a company he maintained a close relationship with throughout his career. The Womb Chair showcased Saarinen’s ability to merge comfort and style, epitomizing the organic design ethos that he would become known for.

Saarinen’s architectural work often centered on the concept of the “Gesamtkunstwerk” or “total work of art.” This approach advocated for the integration of all aspects of design, from the building’s architecture to the furnishings and landscape. His buildings were designed with fluid lines and sculptural forms, creating iconic structures that have stood the test of time.

Notable Works

Some of Eero Saarinen’s most famous works include:

1. TWA Flight Center (1962): Located at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, the TWA Flight Center is an iconic example of Saarinen’s sculptural approach to architecture. The building’s distinctive wing-like roof and curving interior spaces create a fluid, dynamic environment that reflects the excitement and optimism of the Jet Age.
2. Gateway Arch (1965): The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is an elegant and symbolic monument representing the westward expansion of the United States. At 630 feet tall, this stainless steel structure is the tallest arch in the world and has become an enduring symbol of the city and the country.
3. General Motors Technical Center (1956): The GM Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, is a sprawling campus designed to accommodate research, design, and engineering functions for the automotive giant. The complex features sleek, modern buildings with expansive glass walls, reflecting pools, and clean geometric forms, illustrating Saarinen’s ability to create functional spaces with a strong visual identity.
4. Ingalls Rink (1958): Also known as the Yale Whale, this ice hockey rink at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, features a distinctive, undulating concrete roof. The roof’s unique form not only creates an exciting interior space but also resolves structural and functional requirements.
5. MIT Chapel (1955) and Kresge Auditorium (1955): Located on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus in Cambridge, these two complementary buildings showcase Saarinen’s versatility. The non-denominational MIT Chapel features a windowless, cylindrical brick exterior with a serene, contemplative interior, while the Kresge Auditorium is a striking, thin-shell concrete structure with a free-spanning roof.
6. Dulles International Airport (1962): The main terminal building at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia is another example of Saarinen’s visionary approach to airport design. The building features a distinctive curved roof, which evokes the feeling of flight, and an innovative mobile lounge system to transport passengers directly to their planes.
7. IBM Manufacturing and Training Facility (1964): Located in Rochester, Minnesota, this modernist building was designed to house manufacturing, research, and training functions for IBM. Its distinctive blue glass curtain wall and clean, horizontal lines embody the ideals of technological progress and efficiency.
8. Bell Labs Holmdel Complex (1962): This research and development facility in Holmdel, New Jersey, was designed for Bell Laboratories, a division of AT&T. The building features a large, rectangular glass atrium and modular construction, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability for various research needs.
9. Milwaukee County War Memorial Center (1957): This modernist structure in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves as a war memorial and houses various cultural institutions. The building’s cantilevered design and dramatic use of glass and concrete make it a striking presence on the city’s waterfront.
10. North Christian Church (1964): Located in Columbus, Indiana, this geometric, hexagonal church is topped by a slender, 192-foot-tall spire. The building’s minimalist design and innovative use of materials create a serene, contemplative atmosphere for worship.
11. U.S. Embassy in London (1960): The former U.S. Embassy building in London’s Grosvenor Square was an example of Saarinen’s skill in creating modern architecture within a historic context. The building featured a clean, elegant facade with distinctive golden aluminum screens, which provided both visual interest and security.
12. John Deere World Headquarters (1964): The headquarters of the agricultural machinery company in Moline, Illinois, is an example of Saarinen’s ability to create visually striking yet functional corporate buildings. The structure is characterized by long, horizontal lines and an extensive use of glass and steel, reflecting the company’s innovative spirit.

Legacy

Eero Saarinen’s work had a significant impact on mid-century modern architecture, influencing both the aesthetics and the design philosophies of his contemporaries and future generations of architects. His projects are celebrated for their bold, sculptural forms and innovative use of materials and structural techniques. Additionally, Saarinen played a key role in the development of ergonomic furniture design, working with Charles Eames to create iconic pieces such as the Womb Chair and the Tulip Chair.

Eero Saarinen’s contributions to architecture and design have left a lasting impression on the built environment. His imaginative, iconic works challenge traditional notions of form and function, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architecture. Saarinen’s projects have become landmarks, representing not only the spirit of the mid-century modern movement but also the enduring power of thoughtful, innovative design to shape our world.