If your father was one of Finland's greatest architects you might feel pressure to follow in his footsteps. Eero Saarinen (you know, Eliel's son) succeeded and in many ways surpassed his father with sculptural, expressionist designs that have survived to become icons of the Twentieth Century. Airport Terminals at Dulles and TWA at Kennedy Airport and the Gateway Arch in St Louis all continue to inspire with sweeping curves and designs that appear caught in mid-flight.

TWA Terminal at JFK Airport
(1962) Queens, New York, United States

The TWA Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport is one of the great icons of Modern Architecture, designed by a modern architect who was not especially loved at the time. The building defines flight and an era when people still realized how special and important it was to fly. The timeless building unfortunately outlived its usefulness and its owner, although plans are currently underway for an addition and renovation as the centerpiece for a new JetBlue Terminal.

Click here to go to the Municipal Art Society of New York, far and away the loudest and most influencial voice for saving the TWA Terminal

Washington Dulles International Airport
(1962) Chantilly, Virginia, United States

If you drive for (what seems to be) a really long time out of Washington DC you'll eventually find Saarinen's Dulles International Airport. It is home to a sweeping main terminal as well as concourses that are connected by giant elevator/bus/transports that seem to be relics from a 1960's science fiction film.

Click here to go to Washington Dulles' official site. Not nearly as convenient at Reagan National or BWI (and with no rail link yet), it's still certainly an experience

Irwin Union Bank and Trust
(1954) Columbus, Indiana, United States

Since Eero's father came to town, Columbus, Indiana just hasn't been the same. World famous architects continue to design and build their least flashy work there, and Saarinen's downtown bank is among the best.

Click here to go to the Columbus, Indiana official tourist site. Columbus is located between Louisville and Indianapolis and definitely worth the trouble

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
(1966) St. Louis, Missouri, United States

An expressive, occupiable monument on the levee is meant to celebrate the United States expansion (through St Louis) and westward across occupied, Native lands. Luckily there is an underground museum there so you have a place to kill time as you wait to board your spherical pod for the ascent to the observation deck.

Click here to go to the US NPS site for the Gateway Arch. Saarinen's 1947 competition winning design is certainly an amazing sight to see