The most widely known of architect I. M. Pei’s designs has to be the metal-and glass pyramid dominating the main courtyard of the Louvre Museum in Paris. When completed in 1989 it was widely criticized, but today it is as much a symbol and an icon as the Eiffel Tower.
I. M. Pei has died, aged 102. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential architects of all times, and during his career won nearly every major award in his field.
I.M. Pei was born in Guangzhou, China, in 1917 to a banker father and artistic mother. He grew up in Hong Kong and Shanghai before moving to the United States at age 17 to enroll in architecture school. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pei attended Harvard’s famed Graduate School of Design, where he studied with Bauhaus master Walter Gropius.
Pei loved to research his projects thoroughly, and to allow himself the freedom to experiment with different ideas and materials. He did not like his work to be stylistically ‘stamped’, although he did focus on simplicity, transparency, geometry and light.
Even after retiring from his full-time architectural practice, Pei continued to work into his 80s, creating some of his most memorable projects in that time, such as the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, below, which was completed in 2008.
Via his spectacular buildings, he leaves behind a rich legacy in modern design.
Letters from Athens 
A long and distinguished life indeed. With a tremendous legacy left behind.
Nice tribute, Marina.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks, Pete🌹
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What a legacy
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So many places in the world are graced with the work of I.M. Pei. His work is sophisticated, elegant, and enduring. Thank you for the tribute to a man I’ve long admired.
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It must be wonderful to leave such a legacy behind you…
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He had a good life and left us with many wonderful buildings. Though I love the Louvre, being originally from Cleveland, I really like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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I’ve never seen it live 😕 but it looks fantastic
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I confess, I was one of those who thought that the pyramid would be a horrible, out-of-place feature… I had to bite my tongue many times since. Some of my best (modestly!) pictures (enthusiastic amateur) ever are of it. RIP, Mr Pei.
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Yes the pyramid seemed out of place…but over time we all grew to love it!
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I just don’t understand why people didn’t ALL love his Louvre pyramid from day one! A truly great architect who showed the way. Thank you for remembering him.
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I never learned how to look at buildings, except very old ones. Your post(s) helps.older student here trying to get caught up.
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