American Masters Season 30 Episode 9 Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future

Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future is the ninth episode of the thirtieth season of the celebrated documentary series American Masters. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey through the life and works of Eero Saarinen, a visionary architect who played a major role in shaping the modern, post-war American architecture. Through interviews with colleagues, clients, students, and family members, as well as archival footage and photographs, the episode provides a comprehensive look at Saarinen's career and legacy.

Born in Finland in 1910, Saarinen emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 13. He received his education at Yale University, the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, and the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, where his father, Eliel Saarinen, was a faculty member. Eero Saarinen began his career working alongside his father, designing major buildings such as the Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, NY, and the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI. Saarinen's distinct style soon attracted the attention of major clients such as IBM, CBS, and the United States government.

One of Saarinen's first major solo projects was the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport in New York City, which he designed in the late 1950s. The building, with its sweeping curves and futuristic design, was a true reflection of Saarinen's vision for modern architecture. The episode explores how Saarinen's work went beyond just creating beautiful buildings, but rather aimed to solve human problems and improve people's lives through architecture. His ambitious designs for projects such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO, and the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia, were not just beautiful structures, but also functional and innovative solutions to complex problems.

Saarinen's personal life is also explored in the episode, including his marriage to textile designer Aline Bernstein and their joint work on projects such as the CBS headquarters in New York City. The episode touches on Saarinen's untimely death at the age of 51, before many of his projects were completed, and the impact his legacy has had on generations of architects who have followed in his footsteps.

Overall, Eero Saarinen: The Architect Who Saw the Future provides an insightful and inspiring look at the life and work of one of the most important architects of the 20th century. Through interviews with individuals who knew him best, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Saarinen's vision, passion, and enduring impact on American architecture. The episode is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture, design, or the creative process.