Thanks for your video. I had a few hours to kill at JFK airport two days ago and I made it a point to go visit this jewel of a building. It was every bit as you describe it. I can’t imagine what the atmosphere was like when it was in operation as an actual terminal, but I felt that it was a rather contemplative place, with a logic of its own that is both inward and outward looking. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
When I was in arch school I purposely bought a flight out of there when it was still a terminal and also before 9/11. It was the most amazing travel experience to walk in the front door and down the tube to the airplane.
My first ever flight at 14 years old (67 now) in 1970 was LHR-JFK on TWA in a Boeing 707 and I will never forget arriving at that beautiful building after an amazing flight. It was spectacular as a working airport terminal.
I’m glad you landed (intended and unapologetic) on different - we don’t have to rank. I’d say the opportunity at Bennelong Pt is exceptional and the Opera House, like great architecture should, elevates the experience of the place and its surrounds. But it does struggle with its function - there’s some brilliant solutions and there’s some significant compromises. Although the natural opportunity here isn’t nearly as great, the way it elevates the experience of travel is as exceptional as the way that the Opera House elevates the harbour.
Love being able to see the little details like the tiles, the boards on the concrete, the stippled finish. All that stuff you can't really see in the old photographs. Seeing those old projects with all their roughness but strong core ideas really contrasts with the contemporary obsession with precision details but weak main concepts. People always talk about the wings of birds but to me it reminds me more of a manta ray, that spout at the entrance like one of their 'horns', the entrance itself as a scoop-like mouth... these smooth curves have a marine feeling to them, and when thinking of Gaudi he too had a lot of marine inspiration.
Great welcome back and thank you for re-introducing me to Eero Saarinen and this magnificent building. Honestly even through the lens there was a transmission of serenity from within the space, it's just beautiful and how fascinating that Saarinen was involved in the judging for the Opera House and retrieved Utzon's design from the rejects.
Amazing! I love Saarinen work. Definitely Nordic architects understood space, structure, details in such an awesome way. I always enjoy seeing this building because it’s the exact reason why reinforced concrete can be described as liquid stone.
Yes I agree. The whole idea is that we talk about it and film it the most enticing way possible and hopefully people will want to go visit and see things a little differently
I was in drafting school back in 1980. We were learning traditional paper and lead along with very early CAD. Those drawings that you showed would have been VERY difficult to draw on a sheet of paper. Very advanced drafting techniques.
In 2001, I was lucky enough to fly TWA in their last year of operation, and I flew in and out of this terminal. It was so cool. I felt like I was in a Jetsons cartoon.
that interior, it's almost as if there arent any structural elements to it, the architecture and interior design of it is amazing but it also made me very curious about the engineering side of it! amazing showcase as always!
14:30ish - You're onto something very interesting here. First, I've been here about five or six times - indeed, I've never noticed anything resembling "security." It's far enough from the "headhouse" of T4 or T5 that no one from TSA has any interest in the goings-on in the lobby (I've read that scrutiny on passengers begins when you enter the terminal, well before Security) . What I have noticed in and around the TWA lobby, are increasingly aggressive signs reminding people that it is private property, and that they are NOT to use the Hotel as a cut-through to T5, or as a pickup/dropoff point for a flight. As you've pointed out, it's a great place to hang out, and certainly photogenic, for casual tourists and aviation/architecture enthusiasts alike. They practically encourage it - for a while they even had staff dressed as flight and cabin crew roaming around, with whom people took selfies, etc. As for pickups/dropoffs - if you have a suitcase or other luggage and are either looking to be picked up or getting dropped off - how are they even going to know whether or not you're a hotel guest? I saw no indication that they're looking for proof of that. In any event, my advice would be to anyone feeling uneasy about whether they "belong" is to simply become a customer by purchasing a coffee or snack at the downstairs concessions, or sit down at the Sunken Lounge or restaurant and have a cocktail or nibble. The one area where hotel personnel do get strict is the Rooftop pool and bar area. They generally want you to pay a day fee to even be up there, and if you have a knapsack or other bag, they'll insist you bring it back to your room or check it into their cloakroom (allegedly something the FAA required them to do, since it has a commanding view of the airfield and taxiways). My advice is simply go up there very early in the morning - no one is there to collect any money and you'll have it all to yourself. Also - if you go up there during a peak time and staff are there to verify that you've prepaid your entry fee, I've occasionally said, "I have to catch a flight soon... I wasn't intent on staying - I wanted just to take a quick peek and grab a bit of fresh air" - usually they'll say, "No problem" - just don't abuse it, and make sure to give them a few bucks for their trouble.
Yes, I have been there per-cell phone. So I have no picture of it. It was beautiful. And I did noticed the tension cap between the two cantilever bridges. Love your channel.
Saw photos of this when it first opened and knew I had to go at some point, but had kinda forgotten about it. Lately I've really been wanting to check out NYC as I've never been (I'm from London) and I was wonder where I would stay.....I think I have my answer! Thanks for the tour. Is there a particular time of day when it's quietest and best for getting photos? Early morning perhaps?
It is spectacular. Special Mention should have gone to the Lincoln Open top town car aka JFK’s last ride. That’s a gorgeous piece of design itself. Last time I was there was 88 and it wasn’t a shiny. Almost makes me want to go to the USA 😂
was wondering about this and whether it's been torn down just like most great old architecture, surprised they restored it lovingly it's not common at all.
When I see great architecture, it reminds me of my own limitations as a student in the field of architecture. Kevin and Andrew, I am seeking advice from you both. I am passionate about pure architecture, but unfortunately, I am enrolled in a college where I am unable to produce quality work. How can I develop a vision as an architect, like Eero Saarinen? Although I have tried to master tools like Grasshopper and Rhino thinking that I would be designing freely(i mean not like zaha , i mean like Antoni Gaudí), it is like knives without sharpness. Are there any tips or suggestions that you could provide me and other students
@@Archimarathonhard question, Architecture should prioritize human needs and resources, place, and reflect people us. pure architecture should have scripture level on it
the space of the airport flows so soothingly, in one word, it is wonderful...and the level of blending details with the shell...astonishing💯
Thanks for your video. I had a few hours to kill at JFK airport two days ago and I made it a point to go visit this jewel of a building. It was every bit as you describe it. I can’t imagine what the atmosphere was like when it was in operation as an actual terminal, but I felt that it was a rather contemplative place, with a logic of its own that is both inward and outward looking. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Glad you went there and enjoyed your time
No need to imagine what the atmosphere was like - this UA-camr has videos from the early 1990s. ua-cam.com/video/zXavyD7yXJ4/v-deo.html
In 2017, I walked right in while the security desk was unattended. For a couple of divine minutes I had it all to myself.
When I was in arch school I purposely bought a flight out of there when it was still a terminal and also before 9/11. It was the most amazing travel experience to walk in the front door and down the tube to the airplane.
Amazing
My first ever flight at 14 years old (67 now) in 1970 was LHR-JFK on TWA in a Boeing 707 and I will never forget arriving at that beautiful building after an amazing flight. It was spectacular as a working airport terminal.
Paid an editor to help us pump out our backlog of videos out weekly.
damn, could have hired me and I'd be learning about great architectural concepts and lessons while editing videos 😢
Brilliant! And I did not notice a difference in style so the editing feels natural 👌
Welcome back! It’s amazing to have a weekly dose of thoughtful architecture videos
I’m glad you landed (intended and unapologetic) on different - we don’t have to rank. I’d say the opportunity at Bennelong Pt is exceptional and the Opera House, like great architecture should, elevates the experience of the place and its surrounds. But it does struggle with its function - there’s some brilliant solutions and there’s some significant compromises. Although the natural opportunity here isn’t nearly as great, the way it elevates the experience of travel is as exceptional as the way that the Opera House elevates the harbour.
Love being able to see the little details like the tiles, the boards on the concrete, the stippled finish. All that stuff you can't really see in the old photographs. Seeing those old projects with all their roughness but strong core ideas really contrasts with the contemporary obsession with precision details but weak main concepts.
People always talk about the wings of birds but to me it reminds me more of a manta ray, that spout at the entrance like one of their 'horns', the entrance itself as a scoop-like mouth... these smooth curves have a marine feeling to them, and when thinking of Gaudi he too had a lot of marine inspiration.
The most technically correct use of 'Awesome'. Awesome Architecture and an awesome episode.
Totally awesome comment. Thanks
Totally bodacious comment!
'bodacious' is such an awesome word. Absolutely adding this to my lexicon. @@maynardarchitects
Saarinen was an absolute genius.
Amazing to think he was only 51 when he died!!
9:42 The almost spherical clock hanging from the ceiling reminds me of the innovatory golf ball electric typewriter by IBM ... Also in the 1960s.
Great welcome back and thank you for re-introducing me to Eero Saarinen and this magnificent building.
Honestly even through the lens there was a transmission of serenity from within the space, it's just beautiful
and how fascinating that Saarinen was involved in the judging for the Opera House and retrieved Utzon's design from the rejects.
Amazing! I love Saarinen work. Definitely Nordic architects understood space, structure, details in such an awesome way.
I always enjoy seeing this building because it’s the exact reason why reinforced concrete can be described as liquid stone.
I’ve been twice. I just sit on a bench and stare in awe. It’s almost hard to comprehend. Photos do not do it justice.
Yes I agree. The whole idea is that we talk about it and film it the most enticing way possible and hopefully people will want to go visit and see things a little differently
One of my top 5 favorite buildings ever
Excellent choice, great to see how it has been ‘cleaned up’ from when it was operational. Exceptional building one of my favourites!😊
It’s absolutely amazing to see and experience. It harks back to the calmer days of airport experiences
What a refresh from the clamour of its later days of the 80's. Thanks guys deb
Incredible Terminal!! Thanks for sharing! You guys should do tours of the great airports of the world!
We have another airport episode. The Madrid airport
7:59 I think the Opera House’s forms are more aesthetically pleasing. (Obviously there are other elements to consider too 😄)
Oh thanks for the shout out.
www.coffeesketchpodcast.com
Truly one of the greatest buildings built after the war along with Sydney Opera House.
16:34 that was a twist!
I was in drafting school back in 1980. We were learning traditional paper and lead along with very early CAD. Those drawings that you showed would have been VERY difficult to draw on a sheet of paper. Very advanced drafting techniques.
In 2001, I was lucky enough to fly TWA in their last year of operation, and I flew in and out of this terminal. It was so cool. I felt like I was in a Jetsons cartoon.
Amazing.
that interior, it's almost as if there arent any structural elements to it, the architecture and interior design of it is amazing but it also made me very curious about the engineering side of it! amazing showcase as always!
The structure is the architecture. So beautiful
You two make me want to go there now more than ever! ❤ I can only imagine what that space must feel like
Just go. Book a ticket and just go.
@@Archimarathon except not many people have desposible income like that.
14:30ish - You're onto something very interesting here. First, I've been here about five or six times - indeed, I've never noticed anything resembling "security." It's far enough from the "headhouse" of T4 or T5 that no one from TSA has any interest in the goings-on in the lobby (I've read that scrutiny on passengers begins when you enter the terminal, well before Security) . What I have noticed in and around the TWA lobby, are increasingly aggressive signs reminding people that it is private property, and that they are NOT to use the Hotel as a cut-through to T5, or as a pickup/dropoff point for a flight. As you've pointed out, it's a great place to hang out, and certainly photogenic, for casual tourists and aviation/architecture enthusiasts alike. They practically encourage it - for a while they even had staff dressed as flight and cabin crew roaming around, with whom people took selfies, etc. As for pickups/dropoffs - if you have a suitcase or other luggage and are either looking to be picked up or getting dropped off - how are they even going to know whether or not you're a hotel guest? I saw no indication that they're looking for proof of that. In any event, my advice would be to anyone feeling uneasy about whether they "belong" is to simply become a customer by purchasing a coffee or snack at the downstairs concessions, or sit down at the Sunken Lounge or restaurant and have a cocktail or nibble. The one area where hotel personnel do get strict is the Rooftop pool and bar area. They generally want you to pay a day fee to even be up there, and if you have a knapsack or other bag, they'll insist you bring it back to your room or check it into their cloakroom (allegedly something the FAA required them to do, since it has a commanding view of the airfield and taxiways). My advice is simply go up there very early in the morning - no one is there to collect any money and you'll have it all to yourself. Also - if you go up there during a peak time and staff are there to verify that you've prepaid your entry fee, I've occasionally said, "I have to catch a flight soon... I wasn't intent on staying - I wanted just to take a quick peek and grab a bit of fresh air" - usually they'll say, "No problem" - just don't abuse it, and make sure to give them a few bucks for their trouble.
What a theatre
Name an architect still making such art pieces
wow....this video doesn't even felt longer...now you guys made this thing on my dream list
Yes, I have been there per-cell phone. So I have no picture of it. It was beautiful. And I did noticed the tension cap between the two cantilever bridges. Love your channel.
Thanks. Would have loved to know how it preformed as a terminal especially in its later stage of life as a terminal.
Yes - how good's this!
“Is that a question or a statement?”
Love this building. Kubrick used Saarinen's tulip furniture in 2001 (made in '68) for that futuristic look.
And the Arne Jacobsen cutlery
@@Archimarathon I have 8 Arne Jacobsen Series 7 chairs. Couldn't decide on a colour so I have 8 colours (and one timber - maple?). Genius is timeless.
Love your work guys👍 keep the videos coming!
Thank you! Will do!
Saw photos of this when it first opened and knew I had to go at some point, but had kinda forgotten about it. Lately I've really been wanting to check out NYC as I've never been (I'm from London) and I was wonder where I would stay.....I think I have my answer! Thanks for the tour. Is there a particular time of day when it's quietest and best for getting photos? Early morning perhaps?
Sorry no idea. We were there in the afternoon and it was pretty chilled and lots of space.
Beautiful. I feel I would have to dress up just for a walk thru.
americans never realise how lucky they are, surrounded by so many era defining architecture.
I haven't been but I want to go! Pity my best friend lives near Newark instead of JFK
It is spectacular. Special
Mention should have gone to the Lincoln Open top town car aka JFK’s last ride. That’s a gorgeous piece of design itself.
Last time I was there was 88 and it wasn’t a shiny. Almost makes me want to go to the USA 😂
was wondering about this and whether it's been torn down just like most great old architecture, surprised they restored it lovingly it's not common at all.
So lucky and so accessible to one of the most international cities in the world
do we see the influence of A Aalto and his undulating concrete forms?
I would love to see your interview with Chris Bangle, but couldn't find it on your channel!😢 Could you send me a link please?
It was a talk he gave ages ago when he was still with BMW.
When I see great architecture, it reminds me of my own limitations as a student in the field of architecture. Kevin and Andrew, I am seeking advice from you both. I am passionate about pure architecture, but unfortunately, I am enrolled in a college where I am unable to produce quality work. How can I develop a vision as an architect, like Eero Saarinen? Although I have tried to master tools like Grasshopper and Rhino thinking that I would be designing freely(i mean not like zaha , i mean like Antoni Gaudí), it is like knives without sharpness. Are there any tips or suggestions that you could provide me and other students
What’s “pure architecture” anyway?
@@Archimarathonhard question, Architecture should prioritize human needs and resources, place, and reflect people us. pure architecture should have scripture level on it
I'm mystified as to how those sweeping organic forms were manifested into actual structures! Especially BEFORE the age of computers!
☀️ *Promo sm*
Can you please find alternative words for awesome? You’re not a 15 year old surf boy.
That’s an awesome idea.
That’s a cool idea. @maynardarchitects let’s workshop some rad words
Workshopping some gnarly new words would be sick-wicked! Let’s do it. Awesome!
Tackling some awesomely big word issues here;
Because why limit ourselves to just awesome when we can be changing the world, one word at a time!
So awesome