Saarinen’s Legacy Highlights Conference

Date Posted: April 6, 2015

Posted In: Ideas, News,

Issues facing the preservation of today’s significant structures—including the Gateway Arch—are the focus of the three-day Mid-century Modern Symposium April 14 through 16 at the Drury Plaza Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The symposium will concentrate primarily on the history, use and preservation of materials found in Mid-century Modern architecture. Presentations will provide an in-depth understanding of the complex issues associated with preserving these structures. Special emphasis will be placed on modern architectural metals, glass and concrete, and the challenges they present in proper conservation efforts.

The free special public lecture “The Legacy of Eero Saarinen” will precede the symposium Monday, April 13 at Washington University. This lecture’s panel includes Susan Saarinen, daughter of Gateway Arch designer Eero Saarinen; Ken Kolkmeier, project manager for the fabrication and construction of the Gateway Arch; and Robert Moore, Historian, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

“This symposium features topics including the preservation of the Gateway Arch, and examines case studies of unique buildings such as Fallingwater in Mill Run, Penn., and the Farnsworth House in Plano, Ill.,” said Tom Bradley, Superintendent, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. “Leading professionals from throughout the country will discuss the preservation of mid-century structures and the issues surrounding the preservation process.”

Symposium topics include: “Material Matters” led by Gunny Harboe; “Study of Stains and Markings on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis” led by Steve Kelley and Al O’Bright; and “Modernism at Risk” led by David E. Bright.

Saarinen’s New York TWA Terminal

The National Park Service, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), Friends of NCPTT, American Institute for Architects in St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis, and the World Monuments Fund are sponsoring the symposium.

The Legacy of Eero Saarinen Public Lecture

WHEN: April 13, 2015; 6:15-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Whitaker Engineering Building (Building #125), Washington University in St. Louis

COST: Free and open to the public

Mid-century Modern Structures Symposium

WHEN: April 14-16, 2015

WHERE: Drury Plaza Hotel, 2 S. Fourth Street, St. Louis

COST: $299 for general admission; $99 for students

A full schedule of events, list of speakers and registration information can be found at ncptt.nps.gov.