A chair without legs and a spaceship to take off from? Be surprised by the most original designs of Eero Saarinen architect and man of innovation!
Finnish architect Eero Saarinen, naturalized U.S. citizen, was one of the minds whose genius helped create the imagery of the future.
Curved lines, soaring towers,glass and steel. In the 1950s, only a few enlightened architects envisioned the environment in which we now live every day.
It is from the imagination of these minds, who did not allow themselves to be limited by the everyday, that our cities took a shape and direction of development with increasingly modern materials and lines.
His artistic life developed along with that of his fellow student at the Cranbrook Institute of Architetcure and Design, Charles Eames with whom he always maintained excellent relations and above all a constant focus on new technologies and the use of new materials (in particular Fiberglass molding with which they built the first single shell chair).
From monumental works to the small objects of everyday life, architect Eero Saarinen managed to infuse his designs with a winning concept of modernism, dedicated to experimenting with new building techniques, often in stark contrast to the aesthetic dictates of his time.
Just think of one of the still-admired works of architect Eero Saarinen: the TWA (Trans World Airlines) terminal at theU.S. airport in New York City.
Opened in 1962, Eero Saarinen’s airport was designed to be the center of the jet area. Characterized by a strong futuristic approach, New York’s TWA looks like a sci-fi spaceship made of glass and concrete on the outside.
The intent to amaze and engage the viewer is assured in each of his creations-from the largest to the smallest.
Timeless design icons include Eero Saarinen’s Tulip chair, designed for Knoll between 1955 and 1956.
Saarinen solemnly promises that he would confront the “ugly, confusing, restless world” represented by the legs of tables and chairs.
By carrying on his battle with this supporting element, Saarinen was able to achieve extreme formal cleanliness.
The chair, which is still popular today, rests on a circular base from which a simple “stem” starts that supports the seat, which is composed in a single shell and has padding.
Eero Saarinen’s Tulip chair, is available with or without armrests and with different backrest sizes.
For more supported and formal seating, the Tulip chair with armrests provides better support, while the other option leaves the seat freer and more airy.
The Tulip collection is also enriched by the presence of a small armchair, a stool, and a round table, again with a circular pedestal.
Saarinen’s collaboration with Knoll continued for many years, creating high design products recognized and admired worldwide.
Examples include the Grasshopper armchair and ottoman (1946) and the Womb chair and sofa (1948/50).
