I cannot work and listen to Wagner at the same time, nor Mahler, nor Beethoven's late quartets. I enjoy listening to Chopin's piano music when I work. — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
My projects have typically taken a long time to complete. Buildings might take on average about five to seven years to finish, but in… — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
When I got the opportunity to do the new wing [the Schauhaus] for the German Historical Museum, for instance, I didn't see it as an opportunity for my own ego, to do something so exciting that every architectural publication would want to put it on the cover. I accepted it because I knew it was going to be a very… — I. M. Pei Copy Share
I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity. — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
Qatar does not have much history, it's a new emirate. So I couldn't draw on the history of the country; its history is really just being a desert. But I thought, the one thing I must learn about for this project is the Islamic faith. So I read about Islam and Islamic architecture, and the more I studied the more… — I. M. Pei Copy Share
I didn't want to think about a project that I couldn't finish. That's a kind of temptation. One has to realize one's limitations. Why… — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
Contemporary architects tend to impose modernity on something. There is a certain concern for history but it’s not very deep. I understand that time… — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
You cannot defend your design without knowing what you're designing for. — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
I was born in Suzhou, a city not very far from Shanghai. It's a very interesting town - there is a long artist's tradition… — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
Architecture is the very mirror of life.You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit… — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
I've been active all my life. In 1990 I retired from my firm, I.M. Pei & Partners, and for two years I didn't do… — I. M. Pei Copy Share Image
