I.M.Pei: Town Center East Project
I.M.Pei: Town Center East project
The world-renowned Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei, known as I. M. Pei, passed away at the age of 102.
The acclaimed architect is known for his bold designs and explicit geometries in his projects, spanning his career over six decades.
The Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. are probably the most well-known projects in Pei’s project portfolio. However, Pei’s projects, including arts facilities, university buildings, libraries and civic centers, are more diverse rather than the most well-known projects.
Pictured here is his Town Center East project. Town Center East is a two-building apartment complex erected in 1960-1961 within a larger Town Center Plaza superblock.
Pei’s initial exploration into structural concrete for exteriors is epitomized by these buildings. With slender columns and intricately carved slab-ends, the heavy material takes on an unexpectedly delicate quality, forming a nearly weightless curtain wall that envelops extensive glazing. The towers’ unique inward orientation, facing the major street end-on, creates a park-like ambiance while maximizing views of the courtyard.
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Article: [1 min. read] I.M. Pei. Louvre Pyramid, Paris
Q: What other designs have you seen from this architect?