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How did Eero Saarinen create a unified sequence of spaces in the TWA terminal?
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Architecture
The Great Court, designed by Foster and Partners, 2000; in the British Museum, London.
In the design of the TWA terminal, Eero Saarinen created a unified sequence of spaces by utilizing a symmetrical plan that integrated complex sculptural forms with a balanced rhythm.12
To achieve this cohesion, Saarinen employed several key architectural strategies:
- Sculptural Continuity: The interior features sculptural supports and curving stairways that evoke a sense of movement, mirroring the dramatic, wing-like cantilevered concrete shells of the exterior.1
- Rhythmic Integration: Despite the complexity of the building's forms, Saarinen established a clear, balanced rhythm that unifies the total composition, ensuring that the interior spaces relate logically to the overall architectural concept.2
- Emotional Expression: Saarinen believed that architecture required both a logical end and an emotional reason; consequently, the terminal was designed as a symbol of flight, where the sequence of spaces serves to guide the passenger through an experience that is both functional and expressive.1
By ensuring that no visible disconnect existed between the interior and exterior, Saarinen successfully subordinated individual parts to the success of the whole, creating a cohesive and memorable environment.2