Eero Saarinen

Eero Saarinen
Born	20 August 1910
Birthplace	Kirkkonummi, Finland
Occupation	Architect, engineer
Known for	Gateway Arch, TWA Terminal, CBS Building

Eero Saarinen was a Finnish-American architect and engineer whose work redefined modernist design in the 20th century. Best known for the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, a 630-foot stainless steel monument completed in 1967, Saarinen also designed the iconic TWA Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport and the CBS Building in New York City. His career spanned the mid-20th century, a period marked by rapid technological innovation and the rise of international modernism. Saarinen's designs combined structural daring with a humanistic sensitivity, blending engineering precision with sculptural elegance. He was the son of Eliel Saarinen, a renowned Finnish architect, and his work often reflected a collaborative ethos, as seen in his partnership with his father on the campus of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Saarinen's legacy endures not only in his completed works but also in his influence on generations of architects and engineers who followed his path. His ability to merge form and function remains a touchstone in architectural history.

Early Life

Eero Saarinen was born on 20 August 1910 in Kirkkonummi, Finland, a coastal town near Helsinki. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was a prominent architect and a key figure in the modernist movement, while his mother, Loja Saarinen, was a painter and a former student of the Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The Saarinen family moved to the United States in 1923, settling in Evanston, Illinois, where Eliel Saarinen had been invited to teach at the University of Chicago. This relocation marked a pivotal moment in Eero's life, as he grew up immersed in an environment that valued both artistic creativity and intellectual rigor.

Saarinen's early education was shaped by his father's influence, who encouraged him to explore both art and engineering. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied architecture and engineering, but his academic journey was interrupted by the Great Depression. In 1932, he enrolled at Yale University, where he studied under the architect Louis I. Kahn and the engineer Henry Dreyfuss. His time at Yale was formative, as he developed a deep understanding of structural principles and a fascination with the intersection of art and technology.

In 1935, Saarinen joined the American Institute of Steel Construction, an organization that would play a significant role in shaping his career. His early work focused on the application of steel in architecture, a field that was rapidly evolving during the 1930s and 1940s. This experience laid the groundwork for his later projects, which would push the boundaries of materials and form.

Career

Early Professional Work

Saarinen's professional career began during the 1930s, a period marked by the Great Depression and the rise of modernist architecture. His early work was heavily influenced by the principles of the International Style, which emphasized clean lines, open spaces, and the use of industrial materials. One of his first major projects was the design of the Ingalls Building in Cincinnati, Ohio, completed in 1950. The Ingalls Building, with its sweeping curves and innovative use of reinforced concrete, showcased Saarinen's ability to merge structural engineering with aesthetic innovation. The building's design was so influential that it became a prototype for future commercial structures, demonstrating the potential of curved forms in modern architecture.

Saarinen's work during this period also included the design of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, Missouri. This project, which included the Gateway Arch, was a collaboration between Saarinen and his father, Eliel Saarinen. The Gateway Arch, completed in 1967, stands as a testament to Saarinen's vision and engineering prowess. The structure, which is 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide, was designed as a symbol of westward expansion in the United States. Its unique catenary curve was not only a feat of engineering but also a bold artistic statement. The Gateway Arch has since become an enduring icon of American architecture, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Mid-Career Projects

In the 1950s and 1960s, Saarinen continued to push the boundaries of architectural design. One of his most notable projects during this period was the TWA Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Completed in 1962, the TWA Terminal was a groundbreaking example of mid-century modern design. The terminal's sweeping curves and use of glass and steel created a sense of movement and dynamism that was unprecedented at the time. The terminal's design was so influential that it became a model for future airport terminals, emphasizing the importance of passenger experience and the integration of art and function.

Another significant project from this period was the CBS Building in New York City, completed in 1963. The CBS Building, with its distinctive "slab" design and use of glass and steel, was a departure from the traditional skyscraper. The building's design emphasized verticality and openness, creating a sense of transparency and lightness that was characteristic of Saarinen's work. The CBS Building has since become a landmark in New York City, symbolizing the innovative spirit of the 1960s.

Later Career and Legacy

In the late 1950s, Saarinen began to focus more on teaching and mentoring the next generation of architects and engineers. He joined the faculty of Yale University in 1958, where he taught architecture and engineering. His teaching career was marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, as he encouraged students to explore the intersections of art, engineering, and technology. Saarinen's influence extended beyond the classroom, as he mentored many of the leading architects and engineers of the late 20th century.

Saarinen's legacy is also reflected in his work with the American Institute of Steel Construction, where he continued to advocate for the use of steel in architectural design. His work with the organization helped to shape the future of modern architecture, as he emphasized the importance of innovation and experimentation in the use of materials.

Personal Life

Eero Saarinen was married to Louise (Lou) McMurtry Saarinen, a former librarian and the daughter of a prominent businessman. The couple met in 1940 and married in 1942. They had three children: Eero Jr., Susan, and Ann. Lou Saarinen was a significant influence on Eero's personal and professional life, as she supported his work and often accompanied him on his travels. She was also involved in various charitable causes, including the American Red Cross and the United Way.

Saarinen's personal life was marked by a deep commitment to his family and a passion for the arts. He was an avid reader and a collector of books, art, and music. He was also a devoted father, and his children often spoke of his warmth and generosity. Saarinen's personal life was characterized by a balance between his professional achievements and his family responsibilities, as he made time for both his work and his loved ones.

Saarinen died on 1 December 1961, at the age of 51, following complications from surgery. His death was a significant loss to the architectural community, as he was at the height of his career. His legacy, however, continues to inspire architects and engineers around the world.

Recognition

Eero Saarinen's contributions to architecture and engineering have been widely recognized over his career. In 1961, he was awarded the AIA Gold Medal, the highest honor given by the American Institute of Architects. The award recognized his innovative designs and his influence on the field of architecture. Saarinen was also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, which was awarded posthumously in 1995. This honor acknowledged his lasting impact on American culture and the arts.

In addition to these accolades, Saarinen was honored with the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1996, which was awarded posthumously to his son, Eero Jr., in recognition of the family's contributions to architecture. The prize highlighted the enduring influence of Eero Saarinen's work on the field of architecture.

Saarinen's legacy is also reflected in the numerous awards and honors given to his projects. The Gateway Arch, for example, has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and the TWA Terminal has been designated as a National Historic Landmark as well. These designations underscore the significance of Saarinen's work in American history and culture.

References

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