..
Project History
Eero Saarinen, an influential American architect was
commissioned to design the TWA terminal in 1956.
Along with the structural engineers Ammann & Whitney the
“birdlike” structure was conceived as a complete environment.
The architectural expression was intended to embody
movement and transition. The construction of the terminal
required a staff of 14 engineers and 150 craftsman.
The selection of a shell-type structure offered the most
dramatic architectural opportunities and made TWA stand
out at the airport. For the concrete framework, steel-pipe
scaffolding was erected on a grid, with each vertical
accurately placed to support the underside of the form
at the proper elevation and position. The terminal was
closed in 2001 after TWA ceased to exist. DOCOMOMO-US,
the Municipal Art Society of New York as well as the
New York Landmarks Conservancy have been active in
protecting the iconic structure. Today the beautifully restored
terminal has reopened as a portal for Jet Blue Airways.

.
Owner
The Port Authority
of New York
and New Jersey

Restoration
Design Firm
Beyer Blinder Belle
Architects and
Planners LLP.,
New York, NY

General
Contractor
T. Moriarty &
Son Inc.,
Brooklyn, NY