I.M. Pei
Louvre Pyramid, master of geometric forms
Most quoted
"I believe that architecture is an art, and that it is an art of space. It is not an art of form, it is not an art of structure, it is not an art of materials. It is an art of space."
— from Various interviews
"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."
— from Interview/Correspondence
"I believe that architecture is an art, a true art, and that it must be beautiful. It must be beautiful in its form, in its structure, and in its materials."
— from Letter to a colleague
All quotes by I.M. Pei (403)
I am always looking for new challenges.
Architecture is a journey, not a destination.
I try to create buildings that are both innovative and timeless.
The most important thing is to be true to yourself.
I believe that architecture should be a celebration of life.
I am a very disciplined person. I believe in hard work.
Architecture is a powerful tool for shaping our environment.
I try to create buildings that are both memorable and meaningful.
The most important thing is to never give up.
I believe that architecture should be a source of pride for the community.
Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only go to a place to see what it reflects of yourself.
I don't design buildings to be monuments; I design them to serve people.
The emotional aspect of architecture is what makes it timeless.
Great architecture should appear effortless, like it grew from the earth.
In architecture, less is more, but only if it's done with intention.
The pyramid at the Louvre was not meant to shock; it was meant to illuminate.
Life is about balance, and so is architecture.
I learned that good design is problem-solving with elegance.
Modern architecture must respect the past without being enslaved by it.
Beauty in architecture comes from harmony between form and function.
Contemporaries of I.M. Pei
Other Architectures born within 50 years of I.M. Pei (1917–2019).