Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei died on Wednesday, May 15, at the age of 102 years old. Winner of the Pritzker Prize in 1983, he is the author of renowned buildings as the National Gallery of Art in Washington in 1978, the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong in 1989, and more recently, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha (2008). Completed in 1989, the Musée du Louvre’s pyramid, remains to this day his most iconic project.

The Louvre’s pyramid was part of President François Mitterrand’s “Grand Travaux”, a significant architecture program launched through Paris in the 80’s. Despite some criticism from the public, the pyramid was seen as a structural feat when it was inaugurated in 1988.

Through a photographic report published in its 253rd issue (October 1987), AA reveals the insides of the Louvre and shows the extends of the construction site. Entitled “Structure of invisibility”, the article focuses on the transparency and immateriality effects, made possible by the 673 glass elements.

Click on the cover to see the full article.