I.M. Pei: Architect Of Time, Place And Purpose Hardcover – January 5, 2012

Although I know next to nothing about Architecture or I.M. Pei, after reading a cyber friend's review of Jill Rubalcaba's "I. M. Pei: Architect of Time, Place and Purpose," I nearly tore my wallet apart pulling out my credit card at warp speed, placing the order on amazon.com.As fellow reviewer, Don Blankenship would say, "Folks, this is great stuff!" It has great pictures and is written for those twelve and older; however, so is my local newspaper and it is not half as interesting.I love a good biography and this one really fit the bill for me. I spent two hours and 92 pages of pure joy reading and viewing the pictures that document the life and accomplishments of Leoh Ming Pei. Rubalcaba displays a half dozen of Pei's most notable buildings constructed in America, Beijing, Hong Kong, Paris, and Japan where he studied the people and sites before building architecture suitable for those locations, but within the politics, budget and indigenous constraints.Jill follows the times line that begins with Pei's April 26, 1917 birth in China, move to the United States in 1935; graduation from MIT in 1940; marriage to Eileen Loo in 1942;, the birth of his first son, T'ing Chung in 1945; graduation with a Masters in Architecture from Harvard in 1946, the same year his second son, Chien Chung "Didi" was born; the birth of his third son, Li Chung "Sandi" in 1950, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1955; the birth of Liane, Pei's only daughter in 1960; Pei's retirement in 1990 and beyond.A premier name in architecture, Pei explained that a full understanding of three essential elements--time, palace and purpose--is his approach to achieve an ideally balanced structure.I whole heartedly recommend this clear and concise biographic snap shot of a quiet, unassuming family man who has left his ingenious mark on this planet through creative architecture.Enjoy!

Arrived quickly and as described in great condition.

Very happy!

To be honest, I was a novice to the works of this genius. I had heard of him, but not connected the name to the buildings, etc. Consider mebasically a bonehead before finding this book. However, he has been elevated to architectural hero now that I've read it. The segment on hisupdating the design for the Louvre is worth the price of the book, for example. Just the telling of his approach, his innovative solutions tohuman flow, light, and intricate details to update the ancient building (put in place before electricity and indoor plumbing), is astonishing.I've visited Falling water by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Marin County Civic Center (same architect) and the Parthenon in Athens and thePantheon and Vatican in Rome, but this book brought home the brilliance of one of our current day masters.The only other architectural book I like better than this one is: A Pattern Language, Towns, Building, Construction by Christopher Alexander,Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein. If you like architecture even remotely, be sure to check into it. It will change how you see everything!

This is an accessible introduction to the motivations and creations of an architect who helped define innovation in the second half of the 20th century.Pei, a student of Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier, has designed a string of monumental (and sometimes controversial) buildings reflecting his thoughtful approach to purpose and place ... avoiding aping his influences by respecting each project. Readers, especially the youth market to which this book is tailored, will be exposed to both the background (a child of privilege growing up in the tumultuous China of the early 20th century) that helped shape Pei's approach to his work and examples of notable buildings and his creative approach.Naturally, I was particularly interested to read about the buildings I've see or visited: Mile High Center, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Gallery of Art East Building, and the Louvre. Some I've visited that are listed but not described include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Museum of Fine Arts West Wing (Boston), and Court House Square (Denver). My advice: if you've not experienced Pei buildings, take advantage of any opportunity to rectify that omission.The book helps us understand that the architect's work is bound less by style than by continuity of intention. For any student wondering how to plan an education and career, it provides a thoughtful model and inspiration. For the rest of us, the author helps us more fully experience the creations of a master. Think of this volume as a cross between a coffee table book, a biography, and a textbook.

Summary: Great book for an overview of I.M. Pei and his most famous works. Somewhere on the book it is recommended for 12 and up, though I'd suggest that you could easily go down to 9 or 10.The real value of this book is in putting his life and approach into context with his work. In particular is his work on the Kennedy presidential library - apparently the other architects already had full proposals for the first lady to review - I.M. Pei indicated that he could not come up with a proposal until he had fully reviewed the site and the purpose for the building. Similarly he did a deep dive into museum function before developing his proposal for the National Gallery project - like the Louvre, the project was to develop an extension of an existing facility. In both cases the original building was historic and of a much earlier architectural style.Although not as prolific as Frank Gehry or some of the more recent "Rock Star" architects, I.M. Pei is certainly one of the most famous - his work on the Louvre is easily one of the best known in the world.Not a long book - leaves you wanting to learn more about Architecture and this man.