The mid-century modernist architectural movement (1950s-1960s) espoused the progressive optimism felt during the years following World War II. The hyperbolic paraboloid, a highly distinctive curved shape resembling a saddle, arose out of this architectural movement and symbolizes the innovation predominant during the time period. This brief examines the rise of the modernist movement and the development of the hyperbolic paraboloid as a significant architectural feature, examines several notable examples of its use, and discusses issues salient to preservation efforts. Key issues include mid-century modernism, the modernist architectural movement, the hyperbolic paraboloid, post-war design, cultural history, and post-war material innovation.