September 24, 2016

Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond hosted a fantastic tour of Eero Saarinen, Perkins Will and Wheeler’s Crow Island elementary school today in Winnetka, IL. Susan Saarinen, Landscape Architect and daughter of Eero Saarinen and grand-daughter of Eliel Saarinen, was one of our guest speakers, offering insights to her “who’s who” incredible family’s history and the design processes. What an awesome treat!!! We also heard great info from Laura Peterson, editor of the second edition of the AIA Guide to Chicago. CBB member Susan Benjamin, architectural historian, told us about the process of documenting the design history. Attendees got postcards and a booklet about the school. School teachers and administrators showed us all around the school and it’s incredible how much they value the atchitecture of their school. They even teach an architecture class to 2nd graders, and have a huge display down a main hallway which describes why their building is special. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. They also have the original jungle gym! Thanks to all our guest speakers, hosts, and organizers including Joan Gand and Randi Merel!

Front of school
Susan Saarinen, guest speaker, with Randi Merel and Joan Gand from Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond
Susan Benjamin, architectural historian, Susan Saarinen, and event organizer Joan Gand. Susan Benjamin and her staff are currently writing a Historic Structures Report for Crow Island School to guide future decisions on preserving this National Historic Landmark.
Laurie Peterson, editor of the new addition of the AIA Guide to Chicago, gave a fascinating talk on the history of Crow Island School.
The clock tower includes two chimneys for functional wood burning fireplaces which are still in use. The clock is off-center because Eliel Saarinen likened it to a pocket watch.
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Colorful doors and low maintenance natural brick and wood are throughout the building. The horizontal wood is so little kids wouldn't scrape the bricks, which are rounded at the corner.
The auditorium has good acoustics, with original Saarinen chairs and desks on the stage. The original bentwood benches are child-sized, with smaller scale benches towards the front and larger ones in the back.
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The benches in the auditorium were designed by Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames.
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Original (reupholstered) Saarinen designed chairs are in the lobby, with a Burlini kinetic sculpture. These windows were replaced, changing from single pane to thermopane and with screens added. The new windows were made by the same company who made the originals.
Susan Saarinen
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The original furniture designed by Eero Saarinen still sits in the lobby in front of the auditorium
Original ceramics by Lily Swann Saarinen adorn the walls inside and out
Relief sculptures by Lily Swan Saarinen
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Each classroom has two walls of windows which are low so children can see out. Each classroom has an attached bathroom, a door to its own courtyard, and a separate room used for special projects
Original wood walls and sinks
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Isn't it just incredible that they're teaching 2nd graders architecture classes?
Joe Kunkel with Susan Saarinen and Randi Merel
Architectural history of the building is on prominent display. Everyone there knows it's a special place!!
The floor plan of the building is portrayed in the textured brickwork
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Children are allowed to create chalk art even on the wood exterior
All attendees received this historical booklet with the history of the school's design

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