Architecture Quote by I. M. Pei
“François Mitterrand was a student of architecture, he had done a lot of research before he called me. He said, "You did something special at the National Gallery of Art in Washington - you brought the new and the old together." But John Russell Pope finished the West Building in 1941, so when the East Building opened it was only about 40 years old. But the Louvre is 800 years old! A much bigger design challenge.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Architectural Reflection, 1990s
Pei praises the National Gallery’s blend of new and old, contrasting it with the much older Louvre, underscoring the challenge of integrating modern design with historic context.
In simple terms: Blending modern and historic architecture is challenging.
Key Takeaway
Seek balance between innovation and heritage.
Themes
architecture
history
design integration
Mood
inspirational
contemplative
Type
architectural
historical
When to use this quote
- museum renovation
- urban planning
- heritage sites
- public art installations
Key Concepts
modernism
preservation
cultural continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can architects honor history while innovating?
- What compromises are acceptable in historic renovations?
A Different Perspective
Balancing novelty with tradition can risk compromising either authenticity or relevance.
![“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…” quote by I. M. Pei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/89d/i-m-pei-21076_accepted_when-i-got-the-opportunity-to-do-the-new_284075.jpg)
