Eero Saarinen

Eero Saarinen (1910–1961) was a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer who created some of the most iconic furniture and architectural works of the 20th century. Born in Finland to architect Eliel Saarinen, Eero emigrated to the United States as a teenager. His furniture designs, created in collaboration with Knoll International, revolutionized mid-century modern design. His most famous pieces include the Tulip Chair and Tulip Table (1955-1956), the Womb Chair (1948), and the Grasshopper Lounge Chair (1946). The Tulip series, with its sculptural pedestal base, exemplified his vision to "clear up the slum of legs" in interior spaces. Saarinen studied sculpture at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris and architecture at Yale University. His architectural works include the Gateway Arch in St. Louis (1965), the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport (1962), and Dulles International Airport (1962). Saarinen's furniture designs are characterized by organic, flowing forms and innovative use of materials like molded fiberglass and aluminum. His work bridged the gap between organic modernism and futurism, creating timeless pieces that remain influential in contemporary design.