Eero Saarinen: An Influential Architect of the 20th Century

1. Introduction

Eero Saarinen was a Finnish architect who is known for his unique and stylish architectural designs. He was born in Finland in 1910 and died in 1961. Saarinen is considered to be one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His work can be seen in many different places around the world, including the United States, France, and Finland. Saarinen’s work is characterized by its use of curves, its sleek lines, and its overall simplicity.

2. Early Years and Education

Eero Saarinen was born on August 20, 1910, in Kirkkonummi, Finland. His father, Eliel Saarinen, was a renowned Finnish architect who served as the dean of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Saarinen’s mother, Loja Gesellius, was also an architect who worked with her husband at their architecture firm. Saarinen’s parents instilled a love of art and architecture in their son from a young age.

Saarinen attended public school in Kirkkonummi until 1929 when he moved to attend the Lyceum school in Helsinki. After graduating from the Lyceum school, Saarinen enrolled at the Technical University of Helsinki to study architecture. He later transferred to the Yale School of Architecture, where he graduated with honors in 1934.

3. Career as an Architect

After graduation, Saarinen returned to his native Finland to work in his father’s architecture firm. In 1936, he entered into a partnership with his father and another architect named Johan Grimshaw. The firm designed numerous buildings in Finland, including several churches. In 1937, Saarinen won first prize in an international design competition for his design of the Finnish Pavilion for the World’s Fair in Paris.

In 1940, Saarinen moved to the United States to work for architect William Lescaze on the construction of the CBS Building in New York City. He later opened his own architecture firm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The firm designed several notable buildings over the years, including Dulles International Airport near Washington D.C., and the TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport in New York City.

4. Influences on Saarinen’s Work

Saarinen’s work was influenced by many different architects and artists including Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Eliel Saarinen. He also took inspiration from nature, particularly from rock formations and trees. Saarinen was also influenced by Scandinavian design principles such as simplicity and functionality.

5. Notable Works
Some of Eero Saarinen’s most notable works include:

-The Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri
-The Kresge Auditorium at MIT
-The General Motors Technical Center
-The Dulles International Airport
-The TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport
-The Ellen Churchill Semple House
-The Ingalls Memorial Hospital
-The Yale University Hockey Rink
-The Miller House and Garden in Columbus Indiana 6 creatures represent 1 person each.

6. Later Years and Death

In the later years of his life, Saarinen continued to work on various architectural projects. He also taught at the Yale School of Architecture from 1949 to 1952. In 1955, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove it. The surgery was successful, and Saarinen made a full recovery.

Saarinen died suddenly of a heart attack on September 1, 1961, at the age of 51. He was survived by his wife, Aline, and their two sons, Eames and Erik.

7. Legacy

Eero Saarinen’s work has had a lasting impact on the world of architecture. His unique style can be seen in many different buildings around the world. His work has also influenced many other architects who have come after him. Saarinen’s legacy continues to live on through his work and through the influence that he has had on others.

Eero Saarinen was a highly influential architect who designed many famous buildings that can be seen all around the world. He was born in Finland in 1910 and died in 1961. Saarinen is considered to be one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His work is characterized by its use of curves, its sleek lines, and its overall simplicity. Some of his most notable works include the Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri, the Kresge Auditorium at MIT, and the TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport. Saarinen’s work has had a lasting impact on the world of architecture and his legacy continues to live on through his work and through the influence that he has had on others.

Eero Saarinen was a highly influential architect who designed many famous buildings that can be seen all around the world. He was born in Finland in 1910 and died in 1961. Saarinen is considered to be one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His work is characterized by its use of curves, its sleek lines, and its overall simplicity. Some of his most notable works include the Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri, the Kresge Auditorium at MIT, and the TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport. Saarinen’s work has had a lasting impact on the world of architecture and his legacy continues to live on through his work and through the influence that he has had on others.

FAQ

Eero Saarinen was inspired to become an architect by his father, who was also an architect.

Some of the most famous architectural works by Eero Saarinen include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, and the TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport in New York City.

Eero Saarinen’s architecture influenced the development of 20th-century design by its emphasis on simplicity and functionality.