April 26th is the birthday of the last known living modernist architect. Pei is known for many architectural masterpieces including: the Pyramid of the Louvre in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, more recently the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha and the Four Seasons Hotel here in new York City. While Pei has an ancestry that dates back to the Ming Dynasty, he has strong ties to New York City.
Born in Guangzou, China Pei moved to New York City and became a U.S. citizen while pursuing architecture; New York City became his residence. Pei has played a key role in creating a more vibrant community out of run down areas of New York City; in particular the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Every structure that I.M. Pei has been a part of designing and/or building has a unique focus on lighting, geometry and open-spaces.
The Centurion Condominium located on 56th Street in Manhattan is the only condominium that Pei has designed in his career; he incorporated French limestone and rare woods while the lobby has a beautiful waterfall – and every apartment has its own unique design. Pei has won a plethora of awards in his career field including: The Cooper-Hewitt Lifetime Achievement Award.
Happy 97th Birthday to an icon, I.M. Pei.