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 never regretted choosing architecture; it chose me.
Politics in design? Only if it serves the public good.
A joke: Why do architects love triangles? They're always pointed in the right direction.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame captures energy in glass and steel.
Life is a series of spaces; architecture fills them with meaning.
My last words? Keep building bridges, not walls.
Sustainability was always intuitive; now it's imperative.
The Miho Museum blends with nature like a dream.
Reflection on failure: Every rejected design teaches resilience.
Aphorism: Buildings outlive us; make them worthy.
In interviews, I always say: Listen to the site first.
Correspondence with a student: Draw from life, not just books.
The Louvre commission was a clash of cultures, resolved in glass.
Humor: Architects are like chefs; too many cooks spoil the blueprint.
On meaning: Architecture gives form to our collective memory.
Key passage from notes: Geometry is the language of the universe.
Witty comeback to critics: My pyramids don't need pharaohs to stand.
Personal life: Family inspired my open, welcoming designs.
Observation: Urban spaces must breathe, like cities' lungs.
Aphorism: True innovation echoes tradition.
Contemporaries of I.M. Pei
Other Architectures born within 50 years of I.M. Pei (1917–2019).