Internationally celebrated Ieoh Ming Pei Architect dies at the age of 102. Pei’s iconic designs include Louvre Pyramid in Paris, Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as many other projects. I.M. Pei has been recognized worldwide and awarded the AIA Gold Medal, Pritzker Architecture Prize, and the Royal Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects, in addition to many other honors.

Ieoh Ming Pei founded his practice with Henry Cobb and Eason Leonard in 1955 known as I.M. Pei & Associates. Later in 1966 changing its name to I.M. Pei & Partners and once again in 1989 to Pei Cobb Freed & Partners.

Broad-range of projects was executed by Pei including churches, hospitals, libraries, academic facilities and municipal buildings across North America, Asia, and Europe. Among his skyscrapers are the Bank of China in Hong Kong (1989) and the Four Season Hotel in Midtown Manhattan (1993).

Designing throughout his career more than a dozen museums. Many of them gained notable national attention. Some of his well-known work includes; National Gallery of Art in Washington (1978), the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Boston (1979), Miho Museum in Shiga, Japan (1997), Suzhou Museum in Suzhou, China (2006) and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha (2008).

Projects from I.M. Pei notable work

Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong (1982-89)

The client requested I.M. Pei to build a tower with specific qualities. It had to be a tall, dynamic and solid structure that can withstand a typhoon. The Architect chose Steel and concrete structure system to resist the high wind speed. Regarding the cladding a unique reflective glass material was used to capture the changes occurring around. As well as offering Hong Kong’s skyline a distinguishing vertical landmark.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio (1987-95)

The design symbolizes with its simple combined geometric shapes the “rock and roll” music. Featuring a theater cantilevered over Lake Erie and a circular performance drum on the other side of the building. Furthermore, a 165 – foot high tower rising from the water, attached to it a half glass pyramid structure. Reminding us of the Louvre glass pyramid, where he used the daylight approach in both projects.

On the street level, the tower is recessed inwards, creating a welcoming plaza for pedestrians.

Four Seasons Hotel, New York (1988-93)

The Hotel design celebrates the magnificence of New York City historic Hotels. The project is located on an exclusive site in Midtown Manhattan. “Clad in French Magny limestone, the tower becomes one with New York, which remains a masonry city despite its many glass skyscrapers.” Adding to the skyline of New York a unique landmark featuring lanterns at each recess in the building. The grand foyer design offers travelers and locals a terraced salon space to socialize. Providing a luxury hotel experience.