Watch Learning From Light - The Vision of I.M. Pei

Learning From Light - The Vision of I.M. Pei is a documentary film chronicling the life and architectural career of the renowned Chinese-American architect, I.M. Pei. Directed by Bo Landin, the film spans the entirety of Pei's extraordinary career from his early life in China to his numerous notable works across the globe. The film is framed around a dialogue between Pei and architectural critic Paul Goldberger. This captivating conversation is interspersed with interviews with Pei's family members, close friends, colleagues, and clients, as well as footage of major projects such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

The documentary explores not only the architecture and design of Pei's iconic structures but also his background, inspirations, and thought processes throughout his long and successful career. We get a glimpse into his early life in China, his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his early career working with the architectural firms of William Zeckendorf and Webb & Knapp.

The film takes us on a journey through many of Pei's more famous projects, including his design for the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington. Through interviews with museum staff, the film explores the process that led to Pei's selection and the impact that his design has had on the museum and the city.

Another major project that gets ample screen time is the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, which Pei designed in 1982. The film takes us through the challenges presented by the unusual site of the tower and Pei's innovative solutions for creating a building that could withstand severe typhoons and earthquakes.

Perhaps the most famous of Pei's designs is the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, which the film devotes a significant portion of its runtime to. The Pyramid was Pei's answer to the challenge of creating a modern entrance to the centuries-old museum. The film takes us through the long and controversial process of designing and constructing the pyramid, which faced opposition from many who felt that it was a jarring contrast to the historic surroundings.

Throughout the film, Pei discusses his design philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of light and its role in creating a sense of place. He believed that architecture should respond to its environment and the needs of its occupants. Pei's beliefs were often rooted in his Chinese heritage, which greatly influenced his work.

The documentary also delves into some of Pei's lesser-known projects, such as his design for the Mesa Laboratory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. The film explores how Pei created a building that responded to its landscape and blended with the mountains and the sky.

Pei's personal life is also covered in the documentary. Interviews with his family members shed light on his character and personal values. We learn that Pei was a man of great discipline and perseverance, who never lost sight of his goals even in the face of adversity.

Overall, Learning From Light - The Vision of I.M. Pei is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the most important architects of our time. Through stunning cinematography, insightful interviews, and Pei's own words, the film provides a glimpse into the life and work of a man whose contributions to the world of architecture will be remembered for generations to come.