Eliel Saarinen

Eliel was born at a time when Finland was coming out of the 19th Century to establish itself as a modern society. Architecture was a new discipline and Eliel used it to define a new identity for his country, also using his love of art and painting to communicate his ideas for his buildings. In 1923 he moved to the United States to begin the second half of his architectural career, bringing his family and fifty years of experience with him.

Here are some examples of Eliel's other accomplishments:

Cranbrook Atrium Entrance, 1942 - Cranbrook Educational Community, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, was designed largely by Eliel in the 1920’s through early 40’s.

Cranbrook Atrium & Pools Drawing, 1940

Cranbrook Boy’s School Drawing, 1925

Hvittorp Watercolor, Finland, early 1900’s

Hvitträsk: Home & Studio compound, Finland, 1903 - Hvitträsk was designed by Gesellius, Lindgren & Saarinen as their work and living quarters compound in Kirkkonummi, Finland. Eliel designed his living quarters, the interior of which is shown in the first photo.

(Eliel is pronounced AA’.lee.el, Hvitträsk is pronounce VEE.trask, Gesellius, Lingren and Saarinen)