I. M. Pei

Date of Birth: April 26, 1917

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: May 16, 2019

Biography

Ieoh Ming Pei, commonly known as I. M. Pei, was a world-renowned Chinese-American architect celebrated for his innovative and modern designs. Born in Guangzhou, China, Pei moved to the United States in 1935 to study architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and later Harvard Graduate School of Design. Over his illustrious career, Pei became famous for his ability to blend traditional architectural elements with modernist principles. Pei’s architectural style is characterized by its use of geometry, light, and open space. He designed iconic buildings such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. His work earned him numerous awards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1983. Pei’s designs have left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, making him one of the most influential architects of the 20th and 21st centuries.

5 Interesting Facts about I. M. Pei

1. I. M. Pei was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of architecture,” in 1983.

2. He designed the famous glass and steel pyramid entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris, which remains one of his most iconic works.

3. Pei’s architectural designs can be found on multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

4. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and often spent years refining his designs before construction began.

5. I. M. Pei was a naturalized American citizen, having moved to the United States from China for his education and career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from I. M. Pei

1. “Success is a collection of problems solved.”

2. “Life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life.”

3. “Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are the reflection of society.”

4. “I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity.”

5. “The essence of architecture is form and space, and light is the essence that brings them alive.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, I. M. Pei’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

I. M. Pei and his wife, Eileen Loo, had four children: 1. T’ing Chung Pei (1946–2003) 2. Chien Chung Pei, also known as Didi Pei, who is a prominent architect and co-founder of Pei Partnership Architects. 3. Li Chung Pei, also known as Sandi Pei, who is an architect and co-founder of Pei Partnership Architects. 4. Liane Pei, who has largely remained out of the public eye.