Daily photographs by HANS VON RITTERN, with humorous, artistic and social commentary on life in the big city.

Posts tagged “1960’s architectural design

Photo of the day: “TWA FLIGHT CENTER, A BYGONE ERA OF THE ELEGANCE OF FLIGHT”

TWA 1©

Photo of the day: “TWA FLIGHT CENTER, A BYGONE ERA OF THE ELEGANCE OF FLIGHT”

TWA flight 221 now boarding for Bermuda at gate two.”

One of the epitomes of high style 1960’s architectural design is Eero Saarinen‘s 1962 TWA Flight Center shaped like a flying bird. Mr. Saarinen was born in Finland and his architectural firm was based in Detroit. One of the greatest gifts he ever gave to New York City’s Kennedy Airport is this ‘Mad Men’ era TWA Flight Center building.

You can just see women with pill box hats, gloves with matching shoes, elegant suits and hat boxes arriving for their journey abroad. The open design is one of fluidity, your eyes are made to sweep across this magnificent airy space.

The terminal ceased operations in 2001 but has thankfully been declared a historic landmark. I was privileged enough be given a rare private tour to experience the genius and beauty that is Saarinen.

(Many more photos to follow.)