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I. M. Pei in the Finger Lakes

I. M. (Ieoh Ming) Pei was born in Canton, China in 1917. He came to the United States at the age of 17 to study architecture where he received a bachelor's degree from MIT and a master's degree from Harvard.

Over the years, Pei has designed many buildings around the world, which are considered some of the greats of modern architecture.

Although Pei's style is considered geometric, Pei feels the important element about the building is how it relates to its community. Today Pei is considered one of the masters of modern architecture.

There are three buildings in the Finger Lakes designed by Pei.

The Everson Museum of Art

401 Harrison St.

Syracuse, NY 13202

The Everson Museum of Art was constructed in 1968. Dubbed "a work of art for the arts," it was Pei's first museum and is credited with launching Pei's international career. As a sculpture, Pei wanted the museum to be seen from multiple viewpoints. He wanted visitors to move around the building, viewing it from all side, discovering not only its forms and spaces but the entrance, which is hidden from view.

The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

Cornell University

114 Central Ave.

Ithaca, NY 14853

Situated high on a hill overlooking Cayuga Lake, the museum, built in 1973, has numerous windows that offer a panoramic view of the university campus and the lake. It is unusual for many reasons, one of which is that the fifth floor is cantilevered over an exterior sculpture garden. An addition, on the right side of the photo (above) was added in 2011.

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY 13210

Designed in 1963 and completed in 1964, Newhouse I, as it is currently called, is located on the main part of the SU campus. Two additions--Newhouse II and Newhouse III--have since been added. Constructed of pre-cast concrete, it clearly demonstrates its relationship to the other two buildings.

Created 9 July 2013