In tribute
I.M. Pei, 1917-2019.
With a prolific career that spanned six decades, I. M. Pei will be remembered as one of the great architects of 20th century. Known as a modernist, he won the Pritzker Prize and virtually every other important award in architecture.
He is known for forms based on simple arrangements of geometric shapes such as triangles, circles and squares. Perhaps the most controversial of his designs was the glass pyramid he designed as the entrance to the use du Louvre in Paris in the 1980s. Today, the towering glass and stainless steel pyramid rivals the Eiffel Tower as one of France’s most recognizable architectural icons, according to the American Institute of Architects.
Louvre Pyramid, Paris
Photo: Uriel Soberanes
The China-born, U.S.-trained architect reshaped cities around the world during the second half of the 20th century. Among his projects that received major recognition are the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, the Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he designed while in his seventies. To quell his initial unease at designing this latter project, he attended several rock concerts.
The Latest
Downtown Design expands to Saudi Arabia with Downtown Design Riyadh 2025
Downtown Design, the Middle East’s leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design, is set to make its debut in Saudi Arabia.
id50 2025 – Jassim AlSaddah
Meet Jassim AlSaddah, Founding Partner and Creative Director at Babnimnim Design Studio.
id50 2025 – Reem Al Qamzi
Meet Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of Rqitects.
id50 2025 – Altqadum
Meet Altqadum, the debut entrant on our id50 power list for 2025, consisting of the region's best architects, interior designers, firms and product designers.
The Fifth Designs Unveils A Modern Seesaw Art Installation in Alserkal Avenue
Playfulness meets creativity at this art installation that marries precision engineering with evocative storytelling.
Presenting the id50 2025
This year, we celebrate the interior designers, architects and product designers from the region on our radar.
Read ‘The Power Issue’ – Note from the editor
This month, we celebrate the interior designers, architects and product designers from the region on our radar; from emerging talent to the visionaries and the global firms with local presence.
An interview with Philippe Delhomme at Maison&Objet 2025
We discuss the new approach of Maison&Objet in 2025 at the fair with the Chairman of SAFI
Textures That Transform
Aura Living’s AW24 collection showcases the elegance of contrast and harmony
Form Meets Function
LAUFEN prioritises design, functionality and sustainability in its latest collections
Preserving Culture, Inspiring Creativity
Discover the Legacy of a Saudi Art Space: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall explores the Hall’s enduring influence on the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia
identity launches new podcast – ‘In Design With’
The first episode is with architect Dariush Zandi, architect and founder of The Courtyard