I've seen an image similar in resemblance to this one countless times but there were two things that stood out to me when I viewed it in the text: 1) there are four triangles total...not one and 2) there are fountains surrounding the main triangle/entrance. So I guess you could say I've always loved this piece of architecture by Pei but now I have an even greater appreciation now that I know there's even more to it!
This work is postmodern in description and very futuristic and I like that. Many people criticize it for contrasting the classical part of the museum surrounding it but that's what I.M. Pei was going for...contrast. He wanted to do something bold that was out of the ordinary that maybe seemed out of place but ultimately complimented the surroundings. I believe he found the perfect work of art to do just that. The Louvre Museum holds many of the great art renderings in the world and Pei captured the essence of that history by building something that pointed back to one of the greatest architectural feats of all time...the pyramids of Egypt. So in that historical sense, I believe he captured the essence of the museum itself.
The works that helped influence Pei's design aren't too shabby either....Paxton's Crystal Palace followed by Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome.
Here's just a short little video to give an idea of how Pei's addition to the Louvre Museum contrasts yet compliments the original part of the building.
Random Fact: I.M. Pei also designed part of the Peoria Civic Center.
ReplyDeleteI've always appreciated his work, mostly because my brother is into construction and Pei is his favorite architect so he shows me some of Pei's designs. Despite the difference in styles, I think the pyramids complement the Louvre well. Especially when viewed from the angle pictured about 29 seconds into the video.
I am a big fan of the Pei's addition to the Louve. I like the fact that it is transparent which allows a person to stand on one side of it and see all the way through the pyramid. I am also glad that you pointed out the three other triangles because I had never noticed them before.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile when one who does not usually care for art still admires architecture. It is the balance of the right and left brain that make me love this profession so much.
ReplyDeleteExperiencing the Louvre Pyramid in person is really something. I actually first noticed it while underground in the lobby waiting for my ticket. There it was monumental in scale and overpowering in the way it plays with light. Altogether, though modern in construction, it fits the museum very well due to its views of the natural world and classy aura of all the masterpieces within the building.