Up in the Eero with Design

I am in the midst of reading a very interesting fiction novel titled The Rift by Walter J. Williams, which describes the aftermath of an 8.9 earthquake striking the New Madrid fault line which runs from Memphis, TN to Cape Girardeau, MO. One of the most harrowing sequences of the novel is told from the viewpoint of a tour guide who narrates her struggles to rescue the terrified sight seers with whom she is unfortunately trapped at the top of the St. Louis Arch when the earthquake strikes.

I grew up not far from Cape Girardeau, MO and often traveled with my family to St. Louis to visit my great-grandmother. I remember the Arch reflecting the brilliance of the sun as we drove by and loving its sleek, curved and yet seemingly fragile structure. I still marvel at its simple beauty and majestic design. My curiosity spurred by the events described in the book and childhood recollections, I researched additional information about the “Gateway to the West” and was astonished to discover it had been designed by Eero Saarinen, a finnish American architect and industrial designer of the 20th century.

Why was I so astonished? The reason was this designer had also created my favorite table, the Saarinen Dining Table. I love the table’s fluid and flowing form. There are no hard-edges and I am amazed at how it appears to be constructed of one single curving line. Like the Arch, it is also a brilliant creation of simplicity and I can see the sweeping curves of the St. Louis Arch reflected in the pattern made of the table’s underside, column and base. Along with its appealing form, the table’s surface can also be optioned with a plain top or marble. In all honesty, the table is absolutely exquisite and the photographs on our website do not do its beauty justice.

Wanting to know more about the architect, Eero Saarinen, who sculpted these pieces I found some very interesting faq’s about him:

• He had a close relationship with fellow students Charles and Ray Eames (yes, of Herman Miller fame), and became good friends with Florence Knoll.

• Saarinen was assigned to draw illustrations for bomb disassembly manuals and to provide designs for the Situation Room in the White House.

• His other important works include the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and the main terminal of Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C..

• Eero Saarinen’s "Tulip Chair" became the basis of the seating used on the original Star Trek television series.
  

The Arch memorializes Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the western part of the North American continent as they started out from St. Louis. Courageous like those earlier adventurers, Eero Saarinen ventured forth and became famous for innovative and sculptural forms whether he was designing furniture, airports, or grand monuments. You can still see his vision and art at SmartFurniture.com.