At William Artists, we take great pride in our role as a trusted partner to some of the world’s most renowned architects. One such collaboration that stands out is our work with the acclaimed Architect – I.M. Pei on some of his iconic projects including the Suzhou Museum and the Bank of China in Beijing.
As the current retrospective exhibition “I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture” at the M+ museum in Hong Kong beautifully illustrates, Mr. Pei viewed architecture as a medium to explore deeper meanings of life. His buildings were meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate form, function and cultural context. Lighting played a crucial part in realizing Mr. Pei’s ambitious vision.
For the Suzhou Museum, Mr. Pei sought to reinterpret the traditional Suzhou aesthetic in a contemporary idiom. Working closely with Pei Partnership and Mr. Pei himself, as well as the project lighting designer, our team at William Artists custom-fabricated and installed a bespoke lighting system that elevated the museum’s understated elegance. We paid meticulous attention to details, ensuring the lighting fixtures complemented the building’s clean lines and natural materiality.
Similarly, for the Bank of China in Beijing, we collaborated with the architect to develop a multi-layered lighting scheme that highlighted the tower’s striking architectural form. Our custom-designed fittings seamlessly integrated artificial and natural light, creating a mesmerizing play of shadows and reflections that brought the building to life, both day and night.
These projects demonstrate William Artists’ unique capabilities as an integration specialist, working hand-in-hand with architects, lighting designers, owners, and contractors to deliver professional, site-specific lighting solutions. But beyond just technical expertise, our work on Mr. Pei’s masterpieces was imbued with a deeper sense of purpose – to translate the architect’s vision into tangible, experiential reality.
As the “Life is Architecture” exhibition underscores, I.M. Pei’s buildings were not merely functional structures, but vessels for exploring the human condition. At William Artists, we feel privileged to have played a role in manifesting Mr. Pei’s transcendent approach to design – one where lighting became an integral artistic medium, elevating the spirit of place and enriching the lives of all who encounter it.
