Eero Saarinen

 

This weekend, my son and I attended the Family Science Saturday’s at the IBM Watson Research Facility in Yorktown. It’s a great hands-on program created by scientists at IBM, with the goal of exposing children to science and its relevance in their lives. Upon entering the library where our group met, I instantly recognized two of my favorite designs: the Womb chair and Saarinen table.

 

Upon further investigation (quick Google search on my phone ), I found out the IBM research facility was designed by one of the most famous designers of the 20th century: Eero Saarinen

 

                                         

 

Eero Saarinen 1910-1961

 

Saarinen’s studies began in 1929 in Paris, with his focus on sculpture and furniture design. During that time, he became close friends with with Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Knoll. He later collaborated with Eames, creating a series of molded plywood furniture for a MOMA furniture design competition in 1940.

Eero completed his studies, graduating from Yale University of Architecture in 1934. He later opened his own firm after his father’s death in 1950.

 

 

 

 

 

Eero’s first love of sculpture was reflected in his many building and furniture designs, with curving, organic shapes.

 

 

“The purpose of architecture is to shelter and enhance man’s life on earth and to fulfill his belief in the nobility of his existence.”

 

 

 

 Upon leaving the IBM facility, you are left with one inspiring word: THINK

 

Sara Touijer

Touijer Designs

 

For more information about Family Science Saturdays, please see the link below:

http://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view_project.php?id=2109