I came, I studied architecture in America, so my technical background's completely western. But my seventeen years, the formative years of one's life, and I can't say that the Chineseness in me is not there.

I. M. Pei’s quote, “I came, I studied architecture in America, so my technical background's completely western. But my seventeen years, the formative years of one's life, and I can't say that the Chineseness in me is not there,” reveals the dual identity that shaped his approach to design. Pei acknowledges the strong influence of Western education and modernist principles, which he acquired while studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. However, he also emphasizes the lasting impact of his Chinese heritage, particularly the values and aesthetics ingrained during his formative years in China.

The origin of this quote lies in Pei’s effort to reconcile two distinct cultural influences in his architectural career. Born in Guangzhou, China, and raised in Shanghai, Pei moved to the United States as a teenager and became one of the most celebrated architects of the 20th century. His work—such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong—embodies a fusion of Eastern philosophy and Western modernism, creating architecture that feels both global and deeply personal.

By referring to the "Chineseness" in himself, Pei is highlighting the emotional and philosophical roots that guided his sense of proportion, harmony, and spatial sensitivity. Even while utilizing Western techniques and materials, he often drew inspiration from Chinese gardens, traditional courtyards, and concepts of balance and void. This cultural hybridity allowed him to bridge traditions, creating designs that resonate with universality while honoring cultural specificity.

Ultimately, Pei’s quote speaks to the power of identity in design. It acknowledges that architecture is not only shaped by training and technique, but also by one's early experiences, values, and heritage. His success as a global architect rests in his ability to integrate these influences gracefully, proving that cultural complexity can lead to richer, more meaningful architectural expressions.