I. M. Pei: Life Is Architecture

I. M. Pei's life and work are explored in a new book that won the Best Architecture Book of the Year Award 2024. Pei was a renowned architect who designed iconic buildings such as the Louvre's glass pyramid and the National Gallery of Art's extension in Washington, D.C. The book covers six topics central to his approach to architecture, including transcultural identity, urban redevelopment, art and civic form, material and structural innovation, politics and patronage, and regenerating cultural and historical archetypes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 25 July 2024
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

I. M. Pei (1917-2019) was a renowned architect who left an indelible mark on the world through his innovative and iconic designs. Born in China and trained in the United States, Pei's career spanned seven decades and multiple continents, leaving a lasting impact on the architectural landscape. His legacy includes the transformation of the Louvre in Paris, the design of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, and numerous other high-profile projects. This book explores six key topics that shaped Pei's approach to architecture: transcultural identity, urban redevelopment, art and civic form, material and structural innovation, politics and patronage, and regenerating cultural and historical archetypes. Through a combination of previously unpublished archival materials, specially commissioned essays, new photography, and personal contributions from those who knew and worked with Pei, the book presents both celebrated and lesser-known aspects of the architect's life and career, solidifying his position in architectural history and popular culture.

Weight: 2376g
Dimension: 248 x 310 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500481028