Ep 9. Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future

Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future is a fascinating episode from season 29 of American Masters. It explores the life and work of the acclaimed Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, one of the most important architects of the 20th century.

The episode begins with Saarinen's childhood in Finland, where he was surrounded by design and art from a young age. It then moves on to his family's move to the United States, where Saarinen went on to study architecture at Yale University. From there, the episode delves into Saarinen's career, from his early work in partnership with his father to his solo projects, which included iconic buildings such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport in New York City.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of Saarinen's innovative approach to architecture. He was known for pushing boundaries and experimenting with new techniques and materials, as well as his ability to balance form and function in his designs. The episode features interviews with architects, scholars, and others who worked with or were influenced by Saarinen, which give further insight into his creative process and impact on the field of architecture.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is how it explores Saarinen's fascination with technology and how it shaped his designs. Saarinen was particularly interested in how technology could be integrated into buildings and how it could be used to create new forms and spaces. As a result, many of his designs were ahead of their time, with features such as translucent materials and innovative structural systems.

Overall, Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future is a captivating episode that sheds light on an important figure in modern architecture. It showcases Saarinen's talent, innovation, and influence on the field, as well as his lasting legacy through the iconic buildings he designed. Whether you're an architecture buff or simply interested in learning more about one of the most important architects of the 20th century, this episode is well worth a watch.