Eero Saarinen

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the intended purposes of the cylindrical building mentioned in the text?

To serve as a cultural landmark in Buffalo, New York

To span over 1,240 feet in length at Dulles, Virginia

To provide a place of worship for the diverse MIT community (correct)

To house a music hall designed by the Saarinens

Which architectural feature makes Kleinhans Music Hall resemble a string instrument?

Cylindrical design

Parquet floor facade

Use of natural light

Excellent acoustics (correct)

What design principle is exemplified by the Washington Dulles International Airport?

Baroque architecture

Futuristic design principles of the mid-20th century (correct)

Art Deco style

Minimalist design

In which city is North Christian Church located?

Columbus, Indiana Signup and view all the answers

What makes the main terminal building of Washington Dulles International Airport known as the 'headhouse'?

Its massive structure spanning over 1,240 feet in length Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Kleinhans Music Hall's façade resembles a parquet floor?

Use of natural light Signup and view all the answers

What was Eero Saarinen's approach to design according to the text?

Considering an item as part of a larger context Signup and view all the answers

How did Eero Saarinen's education journey progress?

He first studied sculpturing in Paris and then enrolled in an architecture program at Yale Signup and view all the answers

Which material was NOT typical for Eero Saarinen's modernist architectural designs?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

How did Eero Saarinen differentiate his design concept from those of earlier years?

By introducing sculptural forms that were visually dramatic and rich in architectural character Signup and view all the answers

In which city is one of Eero Saarinen's best-known designs, the Gateway Arch, located?

St. Louis Signup and view all the answers

How did Eero Saarinen start his apprenticeship in architecture?

Joining a partnership with his father at their architecture firm Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural style is characterized by clean lines and a sense of geometric clarity?

International Style Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Eero Saarinen win the first prize in the Jefferson National Monument competition?

1948 Signup and view all the answers

What award did Eero Saarinen receive from the Boston Arts Festival in 1953?

Grand Architectural Award Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural style is associated with futuristic elements, curves, and innovative use of materials?

Neo-futurist Style Signup and view all the answers

In which year was Eero Saarinen posthumously awarded a gold medal by the American Institute of Architects?

1962 Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural style emphasizes horizontal or vertical emphasis in the design?

International Style Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Architectural Style

Eero Saarinen's designs were initially in the International Style, characterized by horizontal or vertical emphasis, clean lines, and geometric clarity.
Later, his architecture became associated with a neo-futurist sensibility, featuring futuristic elements, curves, and innovative use of materials.

Achievements

Received two first prizes with Charles Eames in the Museum of Modern Art's furniture design competition in 1940.
Won the first prize in the Jefferson National Monument competition in 1948.
Elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1952 and a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1954.
Received the Grand Architectural Award from the Boston Arts Festival in 1953.
Won the First Honor award of the American Institute of Architects twice, in 1955 and 1956.
Posthumously awarded a gold medal by the American Institute of Architects in 1962.
Took first prize in the US Embassy competition in London in 1965.

Notable Works

The Miller House, Columbus, Indiana (1953), known for its clean lines, open spaces, and integration with nature.
Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, New York (1940), a father-son collaboration with local architects.
Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia (1962), a prime example of modernist architecture in the United States.
North Christian Church, Columbus, Indiana (1964).

Design Concept

Introduced sculptural forms that were rich in architectural character and visual drama.
Designs often featured curvilinear and expressive shapes, easily recognizable and distinctive.

Quotes

"Always design a thing by considering it in its larger concept, a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment."
"The purpose of architecture is to shelter and enhance man's life on earth and to fulfill his beliefs in the nobility of his existence."
"Function influences but does not dictate forms."

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Description

Explore the architectural styles of International and Neo-Futurist as seen in the designs of the architect. Learn about the characteristic features and elements of each style.