Page "I. M. Pei" Paragraph 73

After visiting his ancestral home in Suzhou, Pei created a design based on the simple but nuanced techniques of traditional residential Chinese buildings.

Among these were abundant gardens, integration of nature, and careful consideration of the relationship between enclosure and opening.

Pei's design included a large central atrium covered by glass panels not unlike those used for the East Building of the National Gallery.

Openings of various shapes peered through walls to display natural views beyond.

Younger Chinese were disappointed by Pei's design, hoping that he would bring some of the cubist flavor for which he had become known.

Older officials and architects, however, were pleased.