A look at the works of Ieoh Ming Pei

 

It has been two years since legendary Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei passed away at the age of 102. Known for his signature style of sharp edges and geometries, I.M. Pei had an illustrious career spanning over six decades of modern architecture. We now look at some of his iconic works. Joe Cianciotto

The Louvre Pyramid, Paris, France, 1990

One of the most recognizable works of I.M.Pei was a nod to the classic pyramid form. His idea was to complement the existing edifices with a sharp and edgy presence in their midst. It was said that Pei demanded a method of glass production that is responsible for the clear appearance. The design was initially derided by critics, until it opened to the public on 14 October 1988, when opposition to the pyramid softened. Joe Cianciotto

Image source: staticflickr.com

Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong, China, 1990

I.M.Pei designed this building like stacks of triangles similar to LEGO bricks. His design process centered on the idea that the building should reflect ‘the aspirations of the Chinese people.’ Also, the client requested for a distinctive regional headquarters with a prominent banking hall and 130,000 square meters of office space. The result was a successful marriage of structural integrity and aesthetics, which also takes advantage of the surrounding views while being able to withstand the harshest typhoons. Joe Cianciotto

Image source: fortune.com

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, USA, 1979

Ieoh Ming Pei was chosen by former US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy to design a library and a museum dedicated to the memory of her husband, former US President John F. Kennedy. The approved design was built on a 10-acre park which overlooks the sea and the city of Boston. Beach grass was planted on the site to recall Kennedy’s love of the sea. Joe Cianciotto