Ieoh Ming Pei: A Contribution To Architecture?

Ieoh Ming Pei, a Chinese American architect, is perhaps one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. He has designed some of the most beautiful interiors and exteriors in not only the United States but all around the world. Pei has traveled extensively all around the world in an effort to explore and expand his knowledge in architecture. Unlike most architects he does not limit himself to and one specific aspect of architecture its self, but has done everything from libraries and museums to even low income properties. Pei is the last living person in the modernism style of architecture to have connections with the great early architects such as Le Corbusier, Mies can der Roke, and Gropius. He has won several prestigious awards in recognition of all of his magnificent work he has accomplished. At the late age of 97 years old he still continues to work and contribute to architecture in a big way today.

Ieoh Ming Pei was born in China on April 26, 1917. From a young age Pei had rigorous schooling, which eventually allowed him to come to America where he was accepted to many prestigious schools. He initially attended the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in architecture, but later decided to transfer to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. When he made the switch he switched his major engineering, but after talking with his professors he decided to switch back to his initial architecture major. Pei would end up graduating from MIT with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1940 at the young age of 17. After receiving his initial degree, he decided to further his education and attend Harvard's Graduate School of Design. However, because of WWII Pei decided to put his education on hold and joined the...

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...e area so it may be complimented by its surroundings.

Ieoh Ming Pei is one of the greatest architects today. He has contributed to the architectural community extensively and has been recognized for this great work. He has worked in several different countries and created more than 70 buildings, that all continue to challenge him as an architect. No other architect has accomplished so much and for such a great length of time, which is why Pei received the RIBA Royal Gold Medal, a lifetime achievement award that recognizes his accomplishments in the field of architecture. Pei also received the Pritzker Prize, which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture in 1983. He was a part of a generation of architects that brought the world some of the most amazing architectural forms and designs that helped shape modernism into what it has become today.