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Eero Saarinen Travel: Leaving on a Jet Plane

July 22, 2008 at 10:15 AM | 0 Comments

If you've been paying attention, then you would know that our architect of the week, Eero Saarinen, designed the TWA terminal at JFK that's soon to become JetBlue's flagship hub. But did you know that Saarinen also designed the main terminal at Washington Dulles International Airport?

He did! And we like it, even if some people don't. Designed by Saarinen in 1958 and dedicated by President Kennedy in 1962, the airport was the first to be specifically created for the jet age. In fact, some design elements such as extended runways were created in hopes of a future for IAD as a spaceport. Although that hasn't happened yet, the design supposedly inspired the construction of the airport in Taipei.

Famously--or infamously, depending on who you ask--Saarinen introduced the concept of mobile lounges at Dulles, and these vehicles are still going strong today. (There are plans to move to an underground system at some point in the future.) The vehicles shuttle passengers from the main terminal to jetways to prevent exposure to the weather and jet fumes.

The main terminal was recognized by the American Institute of Architects in 1966 for both design concept and for the suspended catenary roof which allows for a totally open area with no visible columns or supports. (The roof is similar in technical concept to the Gateway Arch, believe it or not.)

Although more and more flights from the airport have increased traffic, congestion and security lines, the Saarinen designed terminal is still going strong. Hopefully future terminal buildings will be completed with the same type of passion and attention design.

Related Stories:
· Dulles International Airport [Official Site]
· Eero Saarinen Travel Map [Jaunted]
· Architecture Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo from 1967: Heaven's Gate]

Where: Washington, DC, United States

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Author Photo: kjb by kjb

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