The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch

Lawrence Technological University

November 3, 2016

Saarinen, Eero

American

Single Built Works

Missouri (state)

Saint Louis (inhabited place)

Expressionist (style)

Modern (style or period)

catenary arches

memorial arches

View of the Gateway Arch, in St. Louis, Missouri, created by Eero Saarinen and completed in 1966. "The Gateway Arch, designed by Finnish-born, American-educated architect Eero Saarinen, was erected to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and to celebrate St. Louis’ central role in the rapid westward expansion that followed. As the market and supply point for fur traders and explorers—including the famous Meriwether Lewis and William Clark—the town of St. Louis grew exponentially after the War of 1812, when great numbers of people began to travel by wagon train to seek their fortunes west of the Mississippi River. In 1947-48, Saarinen won a nationwide competition to design a monument honoring the spirit of the western pioneers. In a sad twist of fate, the architect died of a brain tumor in 1961 and did not live to see the construction of his now-famous arch, which began in February 1963. Completed in October 1965, the Gateway Arch cost less than $15 million to build. With foundations sunk 60 feet into the ground, its frame of stressed stainless steel is built to withstand both earthquakes and high winds,"--History Channel website.

stainless steel

630 feet high, and 630 feet wide at the base

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