TWA Flight Center

The TWA Flight Center’s original 1962 design by architect Eero Saarinen was meant to reflect the optimism and idealism of the mid 20th century. Operational until 2002, this soaring example of Futurist and Googie architecture was thankfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, but its iconic interior was still hidden away behind closed doors. It was time for a comeback.

The restoration aimed to both restore the Flight Center, now used as a hotel, to its former glory while also updating it for modern times and safety regulations. Hotel wings with 512 rooms overlooking the runways were added, and the midcentury design of the original building was lovingly restored and elevated. And of course, the space needed light. Bespoke lighting that blended seamlessly into the existing design was a must.

One such example was the lighting in the check-in and cafe areas. The striking, unbroken line of light mimics the sweeping forms of the space and calls to mind ideas of flight and motion while imbuing the organic concrete forms with luminosity. It also provides ample, clear lighting for the customer service desks.

This long, continuous fixture was created using NanoBoards arranged inside a custom acrylic diffuser. The extremely lightweight nature of the boards mean that long fixtures like this can be easily fabricated and installed without stressing the existing structure, while the even, on-center spacing of the static white LEDs means that NanoBoards can be lined up side by side with no visible seams or breaks in the lighting. This fixture was installed using aircraft cables to create the illusion of floating above the desks and between the two concrete structures on wither side of the desk bank.

This area also features Saarinen’s famous Tulip chairs, a Midcentury Modern classic, as well as other retro touches like baggage carts and a Sputnik-esque radio so visitors can experience the glamour of air travel in the 1960s. Other unexpected touches include a bar inside a 1958 Lockheed Constellation and a rotating vintage exhibit space.

Photo by Josh Withers