I.M. Pei designed a museum wing that would contrast with the classical design of surrounding buildings.
Pritzker Prize Photo - Reprinted with permission
East Wing, National Gallery in Washington DC
I.M. Pei faced several challenges when he designed the East Wing for the National Gallery in Washington DC. The lot was an irregular trapezoid shape. Surrounding buildings were grand and imposing. The neighboring West Building, completed in 1941, was a classical structure designed by John Russell. How could Pei's new wing fit the oddly shaped lot and harmonize with existing buildings?
Pei and his firm explored many possibilities, and sketched out numerous plans for the exterior profile and the atrium roof. Pei's early conceptual sketches can be viewed on the Web site for the National Gallery.
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