ALEJANDRA+JIMENEZ

= __** I.M Pei ** __ = = = = = = =

= = = = Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei was born in Canton, china on 1917. Pei, migrated from china to the U.S in 1935 to study architecture at MIT. He continued to further his career by graduating from Harvard, where he later served as an instructor and then as an assistant professor. In 1960 Pei crated his own architectural office, I. M. Pei & Partners.

Pei has contributed immensely to the world of architecture with mesmerizing and ingenious geometric designs. As said by Carolyn Brody, “His magnificent designs have challenged engineers to devise innovative structural solutions, and his exacting expectations for construction quality have encouraged contractors to achieve high standards." Some of his remarkable accomplishments include Pyramide du Louvre, at Paris, France and Bank of China, at Hong Kong.


 * > [[image:http://data.greatbuildings.com/gbc/images/cid_aj1779_b.jpg width="326" height="229" align="left" caption="National Center for Atmospheric Research, at Boulder, Colorado, 1961 to 1967."]] ||> [[image:http://data.greatbuildings.com/gbc/images/cid_2880737.jpg width="312" height="225" align="center" caption="East Wing, National Gallery, at Washington, D.C., 1974 to 1978"]] ||> [[image:http://www.handykeys.com/pictures/hongkong/hongkong-Images/25.jpg width="197" height="250" align="right" caption="Bank of China, at Hong Kong, 1982 to 1990."]] ||
 * Pyramide du Louvre **

Protruding from afar stands a magnificent piece of architecture demanding admiration, the Pyramide du Louvre. Designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, the objective structure is based on the physical reality of a pyramid, and reflects no personal interpretation, bias, or emotion. The colossal edifice is constructed entirely with a steel frame and glass segments reaching a height of 20.6 meters (about 70 feet); its square base has sides of 35 meters (115 ft). It consists of 603 rhombus-shaped and 70 triangular glass segments. The construction period lasted approximately 13 years, starting from its commission to its opening in 1993. (Wikipedia) The pyramid is an architecture piece, hence the existence of a three-dimensional structure. As the structure is composed of three dimensional-spaces a meticulous use of line, shape, and texture is evident. The inside frame of the structure is constructed from steel rods that are placed diagonal in the structure and are indicatives of the relationship between line and space. These rods acting as lines create visual movement to the outer edges of the pyramid, directing the emphasis to the apex of the pyramid. The use of shape is the perhaps the most blatant element of this structure. The geometric pattern of the glass is iconic of I.M. Pei design. The element of texture is apparent in the design’s use of glass. The three-dimensional space is enhanced by the use of glass; it generates a profound illusion of depth because of its see trough quality. The use of these elements in the design highlights three principles of organization that appear to dominate the structure. The most apparent principle is the creation of Harmony. Pei creates harmony through his repeated use of geometric shapes in the design. Following is the balance principle. The main structure is a pyramid and thus, the sense of tension between the shape and the baseline cancels the expectation of movement and ultimately gravitational equilibrium creates balance. The last principle is development of focus and emphasis. Through Pei’s use of line and triangular shapes he is able to create focus and emphasis on the top of the structure.

This structure is a work of art that displays characteristics worthy of conspicuous admiration. The work reflects a modern essence that is mesmerizing and equally intriguing.Although the work exhibits artistic qualities, it does not enclose a meaning, but rather a purpose. As it was set out in history, a Pyramid is a monument enclosing a purpose. Pei ingeniously reconstructed a historic design with a completely new purpose. The pyramid and the underground lobby beneath it were created because of a series of problems with the Louvre's original main entrance, which could no longer handle an enormous number of visitors on an everyday basis. (Wikipedia) this is the purpose that this structure serves. To this, Leslie E. Robertson, who runs a structural-engineering firm says in an interview, Pei's "wonderful gift": his ability to turn an engineering problem into a design solution. I.M. Pei’s creation of the Louvre pyramid according to Jason Alread and Thomas Leslie from Iowa State University “reflected his diligence and reliability and his growing reputation as an innovator." Pei is the ultimate innovator that not only perfects the modern execution of geometric designs, but continuously inspires generations with his exclusive principles and ideas.

I.M. Pei: Documentary

 * I.M. Pei: First Person Singular


 * I.M. Pei: First Person Singular

=My rendering of I.M. Pei =

Title: "Pei-ramide" Media: Graphite on Illustration Board Dimensions: 27HX18W Alejandra Jimenez 2010

**sources:** []
 * Architecture Week Magazine: I.M Pei


 * "[|I. M. Pei's Construction Innovation]", by ArchitectureWeek, ArchitectureWeek No. 143, 2003.0423, pN1.1.


 * Dennis Sharp. Twentieth Century Architecture: a Visual History . p407.
 * ALREAD, J., & LESLIE, T. (2007). A museum of living architecture. //Journal of Architectural Education//, //61//(2), 35-46.
 * 1995). I.M. Pei. //Technology Review (00401692)//, //98//(3), 59. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

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