Dec 11, 2015 7:00 AM

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 Library
01
2-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 Library
02
4-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 Library
03
7-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 Congress
04
10-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 Congress
05
12-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 Library
06
9-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 Congress
07
8-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 Congress
08
11-DesigningTWA-p-101-Building-site-TWA
TWA eagerly promoted the new terminal during its design and construction.

Illustrator unknown / Kornel Ringli Collection
09
3-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 Library
10
13-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 Congress
11
5-DesigningTWA-p-57-Arrival-departures-board
That electronic signage became one of the building's coolest elements.
Teju Cole
12
14-DesigningTWA-p-218-TWA-building
The terminal was decommissioned in 2001, and now may become a hotel.

Melissa Murphy
13
1-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.

Don’t Buy an Android Phone Until You Read Our Guide

Shopping for a phone can be an ordeal. That’s why we’ve tested almost every Android phone, from the smartest to the cheapest—even phones that fold—to find the ones worth your money.

Julian Chokkattu

Hackers Got Inside a Flock Camera. Its Data Shows How the System Really Works

A hacker collective pulled down a Flock camera and dumped its data. The files included thousands of videos and logs showing that the device captured 1.6 million images of 50,000 vehicles in 21 days.

Dhruv Mehrotra

Introducing the WIRED App

The app is the best way to read, watch, and listen to WIRED’s journalism.

WIRED Staff

The EU Bans Social Media For Under-13s

The bloc wants to curb Big Tech’s grip on children with its new EU KIDS ACTS, but age checks, parental oversight, and privacy concerns could make its plan difficult to implement.

Isabella Ward

I Made Robot Vacuums Clean Up Cherry Juice and Cheerios. These Won

My hands-on tests reveal which models can scrub stains, reach difficult corners, and navigate a chaotic home.

Nena Farrell

How Self-Driving Cars Might Change Crash Testing Forever

Lie down in a car, and you’re more likely to get seriously hurt in a crash. But a driverless future is forcing governments to revisit long-standing safety issues.

Aarian Marshall

Boox Just Announced the Palma 3 E-Reader

The e-paper device maker also launched two new color digital notebooks last night, the Note Air6 C and Mini C.

Nena Farrell

China Isn’t Buying Silicon Valley’s Call for an AI Slowdown

The US and China agree that advanced AI poses serious risks. But Beijing is deeply skeptical of a deal that prioritizes keeping US companies ahead.

Louise Matsakis

Why It Seems Like Great White Sharks Are Overrunning Maine

While a bunch of sharks cruising the Maine coast may seem ominous, it’s actually a sign of a conservation success story.

Molly Taft

Polymarket’s Next Bet? It Can Also Be a Media Company

The legal battle over whether prediction markets are a form of gambling has overshadowed something else entirely: They’re already a new form of media.

Kate Knibbs