Eero Saarinen

Architecture Finnish-American 1910 – 1961 100 quotes

A Finnish-American architect and industrial designer, he was known for his neo-futuristic designs, including the TWA Flight Center and the Gateway Arch.

Quotes by Eero Saarinen

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.

Speech 1959

Architecture is not just a profession, it is a way of life.

Interview

I want to create buildings that are not just functional but also beautiful and inspiring.

Interview

The chair is not just a piece of furniture, it is a sculpture.

On the 'Tulip Chair' 1956

The building should be a total work of art, from the exterior to the interior, down to the smallest detail.

Professional observations

We should always strive for the ideal, even if we know we can never fully achieve it.

Personal reflections

Form follows function, but also form follows feeling.

Professional observations

The architect's role is to give form to the dreams and aspirations of society.

Speech

I like to work with curves, with forms that flow and are organic.

Interview

A building should be a living organism, not a static monument.

Professional observations

The challenge of architecture is to create something new and relevant, while still respecting the past.

Speech

I believe in the power of beauty to uplift the human spirit.

Personal reflections

Every project is an opportunity to learn and to grow.

Professional observations

The best architecture is timeless, it transcends trends and fashions.

Professional observations

I don't believe in a single style, but in finding the right solution for each specific problem.

Interview

The details are not just details, they make the design.

Professional observations

Architecture should be an expression of its time and place.

Speech

I try to create spaces that are both grand and intimate.

Interview

The architect must be a visionary, but also a pragmatist.

Professional observations

My goal is to make people feel good in the spaces I create.

Personal reflections