Day 6 - I.M. Pei’s East Building at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
📌APIA Every Day (6) - Ieoh Ming Pei, known as I.M. Pei, stands as a preeminent figure in the realm of architecture, renowned for his influential legacy as a Chinese-American architect. Born in Guangzhou, China, in 1917, and later educated in the United States, Pei's remarkable career spanning over seven decades has left an indelible mark on the global architectural landscape. His extraordinary ability to seamlessly merge modernist design principles with cultural sensitivity and context has yielded iconic structures that resonate as testaments to his innovation and vision. Furthermore, his work has transcended boundaries, exemplifying the harmonious convergence of East and West in the field of architecture, while his mentorship has left a lasting impact on successive generations of architects.
One of I.M. Pei's most celebrated contributions to American architecture is the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Completed in 1978, this distinctive addition exemplifies Pei's talent for pushing the boundaries of architectural design. The East Building is a striking juxtaposition to the adjacent neoclassical West Building, featuring a geometric and angular structure constructed from pink Tennessee marble and glass. Its bold and modern design includes large triangular shapes and open, light-filled spaces, providing an innovative backdrop for the display of modern and contemporary art. With its exceptional architecture and thoughtful integration into the cultural and urban context of Washington, the East Building is a testament to I.M. Pei's enduring legacy of blending tradition and innovation.
PHOTO 1: I.M. Pei at the opening of the east building, 1978, ©Dennis Brack/Black Star
PHOTO 2: East Building of the Gallery and Fourth Street Plaza, Credit: NGA
PHOTO 3: Aerial view facing southeast towards US Capitol, Credit: Pei Cobb Freed & Partners
LEARN MORE:
National Gallery of Art: In Memoriam: I. M. Pei (1917–2019)
Pei Cobb Freed & Partners: National Gallery of Art, East Building
New York Times: I.M. Pei, Master Architect Whose Buildings Dazzled the World, Dies at 102
Listings of I.M. Pei-designed buildings on the National Register of Historic Places
SPECIAL: For every $50 donated to APIAHiP, you can receive a tiny I.M. Pei handmade doll from Sarah Marsom until supplies run! DONATE and SUBMIT THIS FORM TODAY! Donations will be given to support of Forum 2024 scholarships!
#apiaeveryday #asianamerican #asianamericanarchitects #impei #architecturalhistory #modernist #nationalgallery #historicpreservation #washingtondc #nationalgalleryofart
