The China-born mastermind was behind Hong Kong’s iconic Bank of China Tower, which opened in May, 1990.
Construction of the 72-storey building began in 1986 and lasted until 1990.
The skyscraper was the tallest building in Hong Kong at 315 metres before it was unseated by the Central Plaza in Wan Chai.
A distinctive feature of Hong Kong’s skyline, the triangular-shaped tower was controversial over the planners’ failure to consult feng shui masters over its design.
It has also been criticised by feng shui practitioners for its sharp edges.
Publicity for the glittering tower was halted in 1989 as student protests in Beijing escalated, culminating in the Tiananmen Square massacre.
According to the bank, “The tower is symbolic of strength, vitality, growth and enterprise, representing Bank of China Hong Kong’s rapid development.”
I.M. Pei won awards for more than half of his almost 50 designs – including the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1983.
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