An Architectural Legend, Ieoh Ming Pei

Nearly sixty years of architecture (Pei Cobb Freed & Partners) and about the same number of projects over his lifetime is what architect Ieoh Ming Pei (most known by his initials I.M.) can boast today (PBS). He became known for his use of concrete, glass, stone, and steel and the geometric style he adopted in the buildings he designed (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum). This Chinese-American architect rose from little known to in high demand as he pleased clients with his character as well as his work (Encyclopedia of World Biography 186). Numerous awards and breathtaking structures both lend to the interest in how I.M. Pei became the architectural legend he is today.

Ieoh Ming Pei was born on April 26, 1917 in Canton, China (bio). At this time, his father was head of the bank in Canton and then became important at the bank of Shanghai once the family moved there after avoiding impending war (Boddy). This allowed Pei to grow up surrounded by tall buildings and the rush of living in a city, nicely contrasted by the attitude of his Buddhist mother, who often took I.M. with her on retreats to meditate silently (National Gallery of Art). While living in Shanghai, Pei attended St. Johns Middle School. From this point, I.M. Pei made the decision to emigrate to the United States and attend the University of Pennsylvania to become an architect (Encyclopedia of World Biography 185).

Unfortunately, I.M. Pei was discouraged by the University of Philadelphia’s curriculum and transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Encyclopedia of World Biography 185). He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1940 and proceeded to pursue a graduate degree from Harvard (bio). This move was initiated by I.M.’s w...

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...Biography. 2nd ed. 1998. Print.

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