Eero Saarinen’s short career belies the architect’s outsized contribution to the canon of modern American architecture. His buildings, furniture, writings proved challenging at inception, are considered visionary now, more than a half-century since. Archives at Yale University and Cranbrook Academy of Art were made available for research and exhibition including some previously unseen pieces of work.

Lacking a particular style in his architecture, Saarinen’s insistence that every problem was different and thus required a unique solution allowed for adventurous experimentation, often with sculptural ambition resonant of human experiences. This project’s identity and collateral were developed using Saarinen’s insight to create visual forms and relationships informed by his architectural rhythms, forms, and spatial deftness.

The visual language was ever-present and ever-changing piece to piece, responsive to the needs and purposes of each iteration. The media kit could be deployed as a complete system, or, individual pieces could stand on their own. Color, materiality, gradation, layering, translucency, and opacity were all key players in transmitting the promise of a coordinated and richly orchestrated exhibition of this master architect’s work.