Top 5 Architectural Wonders of I.M. Pei
As you may know, Dave and I are not experts in the field of architecture see our lack of understanding in Barcelona and Gaudi. So when an interesting email comes our way that can teach us about structures around the world and a famous architect that we knew nothing about, we love to share it with our readers
We have visited the Louvre, but sadly, we knew that it caused a lot of controversy when it was designed and we knew that we enjoyed the opposing periods of architectural design on the grounds, but we never looked into the man that actually constructed the glass pyramid that we have all come to know so well.
He apparently has designed buildings all over the world and here are his top 5.
Top 5 Architectural Wonders of I.M. Pei
A round the world holiday trip to experience the architectural genius of I.M. Pei.
The architectural work of leoh Ming Pei is truly phenomenal to behold. Since graduating from MIT in 1940 with a degree in Architecture, I.M. Pei has been creating amazing structures which are simply breathtaking.
Pei’s work can be seen all over the world, and experiencing his staggering and sometimes controversial works first-hand is a must. You may only get to see one or two of his inspirational designs, but for architectural enthusiasts, all inclusive holidays such as a Pei-themed round the world trip could provide the travel experience of a lifetime.
Here are five of the best picks of Pei’s buildings from around the world.
L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington DC
Starting in America, L’Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington DC is one of the first major projects that Pei worked on. Situated in the heart of DC near the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums and Benjamin Park, the hotel is elegantly decorated and a great place to stay to experience Pei’s architecture and Washington’s attractions.
Miho Museum, Japan
Travelling west from America to Japan, architecture fans will be able to marvel at the Miho Museum. Situated in Kyoto, the museum houses the extensive private collection of Mihoko Koyama, with over 2,000 antiques from Asian and Western cultures. Carved into the mountain the building is an astonishing visual achievement from Pei.
Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong
Working further west from Japan to Hong Kong is the fantastic building built for the Bank of China in Asia’s city that never sleeps. The asymmetrical tower provides over 130,000 square metres of office space for the Bank of China, in a stunning building which is both practical and beautiful. Working to a tight budget of just $130 million Pei used all his architectural guile to produce this wonder.
Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar
Continuing the global tour of Pei’s architecture is the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha. Qatar’s educational project brings together pieces of Islamic art including manuscripts, ceramics and textiles ranging from the 7th to the 19th century. Pei’s design was inspired by Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Egypt.
The Louvre, Paris
Paris’ most famous museum attracted no small amount of criticism when Pei’s design for a glass pyramid for the entrance was initially approved. The final construction is not only an impressive structure but also acts as a huge skylight for the museum’s central location, which leads to three separate wings. The perfect end to a Pei world tour of architecture in the city of love.
Sources:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I._M._Pei
- http://www.pcf-p.com/a/f/fme/imp/p/p.html
- http://www.plaza-hotel-washington-dc.com/?gclid=CI7zv_zmhqICFdGX2AodeS3MVA
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miho_Museum
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17 Responses to Top 5 Architectural Wonders of I.M. Pei
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Only had the pleasure of going the ‘The Lourve’ however all look absolutely fascinating would love to see his designs in my hometown london, or maybe give me an excuse to take another holiday!?
Oh, I love architecture so this is a new name to me! Very cool. Loves his triangles, eh?
Did you know the building in Hong Kong is feared by locals because it has really really bad feng shui. Unsuprisingly – to them – it has been hit far more often by lightening than any other building around it (even taller ones).
.-= Andy Hayes | Sharing Travel Experiences´s last blog ..Keeping in Touch while On the Road =-.
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The bank of China tower in Hong Kong was one of my favorite buildings, standing out in the crazy Hong Kong skyline. At night all those diamond shapes and triangular lines are lit up to look spectacular!
.-= Migrationology´s last blog ..20 Detail Photos of Angkor Wat =-.
Growing up in Boston there was always the JFK Library and Hancock Tower that are both his works. But I just read the Wikipedia article and had no idea the Hancock Tower was considered one of his biggest disappointments! It always look impressive to me.
And that Bank of China tower is an incredible structure to look at, especially at night from a short distance away.
.-= Earl´s last blog ..How To Travel When It’s Ridiculously Hot Outside =-.
Gorgeous pics! It’s not well known, but I.M. Pei’s fingerprints are all over Dallas where I live. He has multiple buildings downtown, but the most famous is the blue-green skyscraper, Fountain Place (named after the public fountains nearby.
.-= Jennifer Barry´s last blog ..Live Richly Round Up 4 =-.
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IM Pei is highly respected in the architecture community and for good reason. Thanks for posting this!
The above five architectural designs are the memorable and unforgettable masterpieces of classic and stylish architecture in the world. It provides an inspiration for other architects to show their skills and creative wonders to the world.
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I’ve only seen Louvre out of this list. I.M.Pei is amazing.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Acadia National Park- A Great Fall Destination =-.
Wow, I guess I’ve been ignorant about architects. I didn’t know that the Bank of China in HongKong and Louvre’s pyramid are related this way. I want to see the Bank of China one day. I have seen it a lot only in picture, and it’s so pretty. The only one from above list that I’ve seen is Louvre, and I’m sorry to say that I’m one of those people who don’t think the glass pyramid is a good match with the rest of the buildings. The pyramid is gorgeous, yes, I agree with that. I just wished it was somewhere else
.-= Dina´s last blog ..10 Spectacular Natural Wonders in New Zealand’s North Island =-.
I really have to work on my architectural history as well. It’s not the first thing that we research when we travel, but when we hit cities, we really should know more about it’s architecture. I love guest posts like this because I learn something new. I hadn’t known the first thing about any of the buildings in the articles. The Bank of China wasn’t even a thought in my mind. But now, we are going to Hong Kong next month and we will definitely have to go and check it out!
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Didn’t realize the Louvre Pyramid and the Bank of China building are from the same architect. Surprising.
.-= Robin´s last blog ..10 Natural Wonders of the World =-.
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