Remembering the Architect: Chien Chung (Didi) Pei
Chien Chung (Didi) Pei (1946–2023)
As 2023 draws to a close, our hearts are heavy with the loss of a remarkable leader and mentor, Chien Chung Pei, affectionately known as “Didi” to his family and friends. A distinguished architect, Didi’s journey began with academic excellence, graduating cum laude in Physics from Harvard College in 1968 and later attaining a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design in 1972.
- Steeped in the legacy of his father, the renowned architect I.M. Pei, Didi grew up immersed in the foundational principles of visionary design, unwavering commitment, and the highest professional standards. These early influences shaped his approach to architecture, guiding him in the creation of significant and enduring structures. Today, as we reflect on the passing of this extraordinary individual, we honor not only his impressive career but also the profound impact he had on the world of architecture and those fortunate enough to be touched by his wisdom and guidance.
- Didi Pei blended science, art, and culture to create architectural landmarks that surpass physical form, leaving lasting imprints, serving function, and enhancing surroundings with beauty, purpose and standing the test of time. Through hands on involvement in all his design projects Didi embodied the core ideology of the firm he and his brother, Li Chung Pei, created, VIP HOUSE COMPANY LLC – “Respect for the past and responsiveness to the present in the pursuit of enduring architecture.”
Early Career with I. M. Pei
Didi spent the initial two decades of his career making significant contributions to numerous notable projects undertaken by I.M. Pei & Partners. Among these projects were the esteemed National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. (1978) and the iconic Grand Louvre in Paris (Associate Partner for Design + Administration, 1992). Notably, he served as the Designer-in-Charge of the West Wing extension and renovation of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (1981, 1986). Didi also contributed to other prominent cultural and museum projects such as the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Massachusetts (1979) and the Centre d’Art Contemporain in Luxembourg (2006). Additionally, he held the position of Designer-in-Charge for projects including the Fragrant Hill Hotel in Beijing (1982), the Mount Sinai Hospital Guggenheim Pavilion (1989), and the Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham, AL (1992).
- Grand Louvre
- Paris, France
- Fragrant Hill Hotel
- Beijing, China
- National Gallery of Art
Washington, D.C.
- The West Wing, Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Boston, MA
VIP HOUSE COMPANY LLC
THE FIRST 20 YEARS OF PEI PARTNERSHIP ARCHITECTS
In 1992, Chien Chung Pei and his brother, Li Chung Pei, launched their own firm, Pei Partnership Architects, now VIP HOUSE COMPANY LLC. In his role as Partner-in-Charge, Didi oversaw the Bank of China Head Office Building in Beijing, China in 2001, as well as the extension to the corporate headquarters of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world’s largest bank, which opened to the public in March 2011. He successfully completed the executive offices of a prominent West Coast company in 2003 and the restoration and revitalization of the main Garden Pavilion of Jianfu Palace (1740) inside the Forbidden City in Beijing in 2005. This project received a Citation for Design from the New York State division of the American Institute of Architects. He led the design of the Guanajuato State Library in Leon, Mexico in 2006, receiving the esteemed 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Design award. Collaborating with I.M. Pei, Didi directed the design of the new chancery building for the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., completed in 2008, as well as the internationally acclaimed Suzhou Museum, which opened in 2006. Additionally, he led the PEI team responsible for the Master Plan of UCLA South Campus and served as Partner-in-Charge of the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, a one million-square-foot facility that replaced the existing hospital damaged by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. In 2008, in recognition of his enduring contributions, he was awarded the prestigious UCLA Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the university.
Suzhou Museum
Suzhou, China
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Washington, D.C.
Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
Bank of China Beijing Head Office
Beijing, China
RECENT YEARS
In the last several years, Didi led some notable projects such as the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha, Qatar, and the Commodity Exchange Building, spanning 55,700 square meters, in Zhengzhou, China, which opened in 2014. In 2015, he completed the Six Dynasties Museum and Grand Mansion Hotel, situated adjacent to the historic Presidential Palace in Nanjing, China and the renovation of the new headquarters for China Institute, a non-profit organization in New York City. In 2018 he completed The Balai Pameran Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. This project is both a museum for his majesties personal collection of artifacts, manuscripts and Korans as well as a research center intended to be a major repository for the collection, study and dissemination of scholarly Islamic work.
More recently, some of Didi’s completed projects include the new Yulong State Guest Hotel in Chifeng, China completed in 2019, the new winery for Château Lynch- Bages in Pauillac, France completed in 2020 and a commercial tower, Faria Lima B32 in Sao Paulo, Brazil completed in 2021. One of Didi’s last designs nearing completion includes the Sanxiang Bank Mixed-Use Development in Changsha, Hunan, China.
Balai Pameran Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Château Lynch-Bages Winery
Pauillac, France
Guangzhou Pedestrian Bridge
Guangzhou, China
Faria Lima B32
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Six Dynasties Museum and Grand Mansion Hotel
Nanjing, China
Yulong State Guest Hotel
Chifeng, China
His Legacy
In addition to guiding his architectural practice where he not only imparted knowledge but also served as a mentor to aspiring architects, he played an active role in diverse professional and civic spheres. Holding key positions, such as Chairman of the Delano-Aldrich Fellowship Committee at the American Institute of Architects, and assuming leadership as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the China Institute in New York City, exemplified his multifaceted contributions. Moreover, he lent his expertise to the Committee of 100, an organization dedicated to addressing profound and intricate issues related to Americans of Chinese descent and fostering U.S.–China relations. Beyond these commitments, Didi served as a trustee of the Collegiate School in New York City and made significant contributions to the Alumni Council of the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In both his architectural endeavors and affiliations with these esteemed organizations, Didi leaves a lasting legacy for the architectural community and those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. His creations stand as a testament to his enduring influence, providing solace and inspiration for generations to come.
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