Showing posts with label Eero Saarinen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eero Saarinen. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2011

Eero Saarinen

Maybe it's because I love architecture and art and design but sometimes I'll look at a structure and marvel at the genius behind it.  If you've ever visited the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials in Washington, DC, then you understand what I'm talking about. They're quite impressive.

I recently posted about Eero Saarinen's "Tulip" chair and the mid-century modernist movement.  I was inspired to do so after reading about the Finnish American architect and his contributions to the world of architecture and design.  Much of Saarinen's work is readily recognized and world reknown.  See pictures below...

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO

Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, VA

TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport in Queens, NYC

Kresge Auditorium, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Ingalls Rink, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Friday, November 18, 2011

A brief look at Mid-Century Modern

Lately, it seems every client I talk to or home I enter is interested in mid-century modern furniture or has a piece of mid-century modern furniture on display. Mid-century modern is typically used to refer to any product or interior design or architecture that occured from 1933-1965.  It is said to be organic in style and exhibit Scandinavian influences. 

Not long ago, I attended an event in DC hosted by Apartment Therapy in which a panel discussed DC's obssession with all things mid-century modern.  I learned a lot about the importance of buying from reliable sources as well as about the process and creativity behind the mid-century modernist artists, architects and designers.  These influencers, Eames, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Saarinen (to name a few), each made a significant contribution to the movement and their works are still being reproduced and copied today.  Scroll down to see how many you recognize.
Mies van der Rohe "Barcelona" chair from Knoll.com, $7740
Le Corbusier "Le Petit Modele" Armchair $3945 at Design Within Reach
Eames Molded Plastic 4 Leg Side Chair $279 at Design Within Reach

Saarinen "Tulip" Armless Chair $1440 at Design Within Reach