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)
To build is to add to the human spirit.
I always start with the site; it tells me the story I need to tell.
Architecture is frozen music, but it must also be livable.
Success in design is measured by how it ages.
The best buildings invite people to dream.
Innovation without context is just novelty.
I believe light is the most important element in architecture.
Life's greatest lessons come from the spaces we inhabit.
A building should enhance the landscape, not dominate it.
Humor in design? Sometimes a curve where a line is expected.
The Kennedy Library was my tribute to a fallen leader's vision.
Architecture teaches patience; nothing great is built overnight.
Form follows function, but poetry follows both.
In China, I rediscovered my roots through stone and space.
Critics said the pyramid was too modern; I say it's eternal.
The soul of a building is in its details.
Aging gracefully is what I wish for my structures, as for myself.
Design is not just about aesthetics; it's about human experience.
The East Building of the National Gallery was light made solid.
Wisdom in architecture is knowing when to leave space empty.
Contemporaries of I.M. Pei
Other Architectures born within 50 years of I.M. Pei (1917–2019).