Post-War Architecture and Monumentality

Influences of War and Politics on Architecture

  • Pre-revolutionary France (late 18th century): Architects like Claude Nicholai Ledoux and Etienne Boulet reflect pre-revolutionary sentiments in their work.
  • Post-World War II: The war's impact significantly influenced architecture.

Key Figures and Their Work

Eero Saarinen

  • Son of Eliel Saarinen, a Finnish architect and head of Cranbrook University.
  • Eero grew up immersed in architecture, influencing his design sensibilities.
  • Signature building: Dulles Airport, commissioned during John Kennedy's administration, reflecting modernism.

Albert Kahn

  • Engineer-architect known for factories and public works.
  • Bomber factory at Willow Run:
    • Built for producing B-24 Liberator bombers.
    • Henry Ford adapted assembly line production to aircraft manufacturing.
    • Produced one bomber per hour, significantly aiding the war effort.
    • It changed modern manufacturing in the U.S.

General Motors Technical Center by Eero Saarinen

  • Eero won a competition against his father to design the complex.
  • Reflects expanded technical production capacity post-WWII.
  • Design and layout:
    • Expansive layout reminiscent of city grids.
    • Steel and glass construction with polished stainless steel accents.
    • Central pond for fire prevention and aesthetic appeal.
    • Water tower made of polished stainless steel.
    • Showroom with a dome reflecting the sky.
  • Influence of Bauhaus ideas: Unified arts, color-coded tiles for building identification.
  • Cafeteria design: glass walls, coordinated artwork and furniture.
  • Modern Corporate Office System: Open planning, modular ceilings, featured wood walls.
  • Interior Design: Interior coordinated with open planning.
  • Differentiated buildings with unique entry sequences and stairways.
  • Showroom:
    • Dome design related to the sky.
    • The sky is a source of potential and aspiration.

Saint Louis Arch

  • Abstract expression of power and overcoming gravity.
  • Symbolizes Saint Louis' role as the gateway to the West.
  • Features an observation deck and a rotating tram system.
  • Echoes of Boulee's cenotaph, symbolizing death.

TWA (Trans World Airlines) Terminal at Kennedy Airport

  • Reinforced concrete structure with a bird-like posture.
  • Pioneered the concept of bridges to satellite terminals for easier plane access.
    • Analysis of how an airport functions.
  • Total environment design, including uniforms and interior details.
  • Spatial effects influencing modern airport designs.

Dulles Airport

  • Commissioned by Kennedy to be the national airport.
  • Symbolic of a welcoming gesture to those flying into The United States.
  • Efficient design for passenger and baggage flow.
  • Hanging canopy of steel cables and concrete panels.
  • Mobile departure lounges (designed with Charles and Ray Eames) for efficient boarding.
    • Gates come to the people.
  • Multilevel functions with spatial patterns.
  • Meaning in the fluid functioning of human activities.
  • Fluid functioning of human activities.

Boston City Hall

  • Designed by Gerhard Kallmann and Michael McKinnell.
  • Modern expressive design amidst traditional red brick surroundings.
  • Symbolic expression of government functions in the building's structure.
  • Atrium with skylight and textured grounds.
  • Potential of modern architecture and expressive freedom.

Berlin's Rebuilt Monuments

  • West Berlin rebuilt monuments after WWII due to East Berlin's inaccessibility.
  • Rebuilt Monuments:
    • National Library (Hans Scharoun).
    • New National Gallery (Mies van der Rohe).
    • Philharmonic (Hans Scharoun).
  • Hans Scharoun's Philharmonic:
    • Organic design responsive to circumstances.
    • Lobby with complex, multi-level design creates a social space.
    • The interior has stairways that lead to the entries.
    • Hall design promotes community and gathering.
    • Acoustically one of the finest rooms in the world with the audience wrapping around behind the stage.
    • Influence on modern concert hall design. Gary's Disney Hall in Los Angeles, for example, the interior is a poor copy of this of this room.