Ieoh Ming Pei or I. M. Pei, one of the most well-known and award-winning architects of the world, recently passed away at the age of 102 on May 16 at his Manhattan home, as first reported by The New York Times.
Photo via Flickr
The Pritzker Prize laureate (1983), the first of 10 laureates of Asian descent, was one of the most respected and influential architects whose works, as described by the Prize, “can be characterized by its faith in modernism, humanized by its subtlety, lyricism, and beauty.”
The striking geometry, the brutalism, and the harmony of the conservative past and the ambitious modern sensibilities of his works marked his over-60-year career, many of which received awards. Among the Chinese-born architect’s roster of works, here are five of the most notable and iconic structures.
1 Louvre Pyramid
The metal-and-glass Pyramide du Louvre or Louvre Pyramid, designed by I. M. Pei as an addition to the Louvre, serves as a grand entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
2 Mesa Laboratory (National Center for Atmospheric Research)
Named the Industrial Research Magazine’s Laboratory of the Year in 1967, the Mesa Laboratory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, was one of Pei’s first major commissioned work after establishing his own practice, I.M. Pei & Associates.
3 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Initially, Pei declined to commission the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, being a non-fan of the genre. However, he later on took the job after doing his research and attending rock concerts.
4 Museum of Islamic Art
Completed in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar is set on a manmade island, and was designed by Pei after understanding the life of Muhammad and touring around the world to seek inspiration.
5 East Building (National Gallery of Art)
Pei designed the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D. C., a contemporary structure that houses collections of modern art and research facilities, and which design received a National Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in 1981.
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