Gallery: Fascinating Images Reveal the Genesis of the TWA Flight Center, America's Greatest Terminal
Dan Page / Eero Saarinen Collection (MS 593). Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library012-DesigningTWA-p-2-3-TWA-Terminal
Eero Saarinen's TWA Flight Center was a striking response to the expanding popularity of jet travel.
Eero Saarinen Collection (MS 593). Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library024-DesigningTWA-p-44-drawing
Saarinen's preliminary design showed seamlessly connected baggage and passenger handling stations.
Richard G. Knight / Richard Gamble Knight Papers (MS 1999). Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library037-DesigningTWA-p-71-Models-TWA
Saarinen had to lease a studio big enough for the scale models of the terminal he had in mind.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Archive at the Library of Congress0410-DesigningTWA-p-96-model-TWA
Since each airline had its own terminal at the airport, he wanted TWA's home to stand out.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Archive at the Library of Congress0512-DesigningTWA-p-134-135-Interior-TWA
Like the exterior, the terminal's interior was made up of sweeping curves—no right angles, minimal corners.
Illustrator unknown / Eero Saarinen Collection (MS 593). Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library069-DesigningTWA-p-75-drawing-interior
Inside the terminal, areas like the "Ambassador Lounge" were designed for passenger comfort, and to conform to TWA's corporate look.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Archive at the Library of Congress078-DesigningTWA-p-74-model-interior
The red carpets and upholstery, shown in this model, added splashes of color to an otherwise light grey or white interior space.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division,Balthazar Korab Archive at the Library of Congress0811-DesigningTWA-p-101-Building-site-TWA
TWA eagerly promoted the new terminal during its design and construction.
Illustrator unknown / Kornel Ringli Collection093-DesigningTWA-p-23-Restaurant-menu
The Flight Center double as advertising for the airline, which even used its image as the cover for its restaurant menu.
Eero Saarinen Collection (MS 593). Manuscripts and Archives, Yale University Library1013-DesigningTWA-p-179-Section-elevation-departure-hall-TWA
Saarinen planned all the interior details, like the arrivals and departures board.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Balthazar Korab Archive at the Library of Congress115-DesigningTWA-p-57-Arrival-departures-board
That electronic signage became one of the building's coolest elements.
Teju Cole1214-DesigningTWA-p-218-TWA-building
The terminal was decommissioned in 2001, and now may become a hotel.
Melissa Murphy131-DesigningTWA-backcover-terminal-interior
In 2012, the public was invited to visit the closed space, and a new generation of air travelers eagerly showed up.
