Eero Saarinen (1910–1961), also known as "Little Saarinen," was born on August 20, 1910, in Finland. He came from a family deeply rooted in the arts—his father, Eliel Saarinen, was a renowned Finnish architect, and his mother was a sculptor and weaver. This artistic environment greatly influenced Eero, shaping his future as an architect and designer.
In 1923, Eliel won third prize in the Chicago Tribune Tower competition, which earned the family a $20,000 bonus. They moved to the United States that same year. In 1925, Eliel became the Dean of the Cranbrook Art Institute, where Eero would later study and develop his own creative vision. From 1930 to 1931, Eero traveled to Paris to study sculpture, further broadening his artistic perspective.
In 1940, Eero won first prize in the "Organic Furniture" design competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, alongside Charles and Ray Eames. His career spanned from 1936 until his death in 1961, during which he became one of the most influential architects and designers of the 20th century. Known for his originality, bold concepts, and sculptural beauty, he redefined modern architecture by blending organic forms with functional design.
Among his most famous works are the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport (1956–1962), the Dulles International Airport terminal in Washington, D.C. (1963), and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis (1964). These structures exemplify his signature organic style, which challenged the rigid principles of functionalist architecture in the 1950s.
Saarinen's architectural philosophy emphasized harmony between form and function, and he believed that buildings should not only serve their purpose but also evoke emotion and connection. His influence extended beyond architecture into furniture design, where he became a leading figure. He collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames early in his career, marking the beginning of his distinctive design language.
However, Eero was never fully satisfied with traditional chair designs. In 1946, he created the iconic "Womb Chair," a revolutionary piece that embodied true organic design. He believed that a chair was incomplete without a person sitting on it, and he aimed for his furniture to interact with users, creating a seamless experience. His designs were always intended for the majority, using a standard human size as a base for proportion and comfort.
For Saarinen, every detail of a building or piece of furniture had to be carefully considered to ensure unity and balance. His work remains a lasting testament to the power of integrating art, function, and nature in design.
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