Crystal CG celebrates award-winning architect

The Royal Gold Medal is one of the most prestigious awards in architecture. It was awarded to I M Pei in recognition of a lifetime's work in the industry. The Royal Institute of British Architects selected the Chinese-born American architect for the award in October 2009.

As official sponsors of the awards ceremony, Crystal CG produced a 2-minute animation for I M Pei which was showcased during the event. The animation, produced by our London team, created a dreamlike world where Mr Pei’s most visionary building is realised. Though never built – it remains an extraordinary architectural concept over a half-century since its conception.

As early as 1954 I M Pei proposed the Hyperboloid –a 1500 foot, skyscraper 108-story with a tapering, crown-of-thorns structure. Although 70% bigger than the Empire State Building, it would have used the same amount of steel – environmental thinking ahead of its time. The Hyperboloid’s aerodynamic shape would also have made it more resistant to nuclear blast.

View the animation of I M Pei’s Hyperboloid in our portfolio. Or Visit RIBA to read more out I M Pei receiving the Royal Gold Medal.

Photograph © Andy Hendry