The Chinese-born American architect I. M. Pei, who is best known in Europe for his transformation of the Louvre in Paris, has been named today (6th October 2009) as the recipient of one of the world’s most prestigious architecture prizes, the Royal Gold Medal. Given in recognition of a lifetime’s work, the Royal Gold Medal is approved personally by Her Majesty the Queen and is given to a person or group of people who have had a significant influence “either directly or indirectly on the advancement of architecture”. I. M. Pei is one of the most prolific architects of all time having completed over 170 projects and more than 50 masterplans. At the age of 92, he remains actively engaged in architecture. His work easily spans the divide between commercial and cultural architecture, and he is equally respected and sought after by clients in all fields. Speaking from New York, I M Pei said: “It is a great honour to receive the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects. I am humbled indeed to read the names of those who have preceded me as recipients. I look forward to attending the ceremony in February, and to thanking personally RIBA President Ruth Reed and the Honours Committee, and David Adjaye, who nominated me.” Adjaye said Pei had been a ‘role model’ to him as young architect: “When I began my studies in architecture, I M Pei was already a giant in the cannon of greats. His work seemed effortlessly capable of creating extraordinary clarity out of complex and conflicting demands.” I. M. Pei will be presented with the Royal Gold Medal on 11 February 2010 (TBC) at a ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London, when the 2010 RIBA International and Honorary Fellowships will also be presented. Info: tel +44 (0)207 3073813 e-mail: beatrice.cooke@inst.riba.org - www.architecture.com