N.C.A.R. by I.M. Pei
Nation Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, 1966 by renowned architect I.M. Pei.
Pei referred to this commission as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
Beautifully located on a mesa near the Flatirons of Boulder.
Pei wanted to create a structure that would harmonize with the mountain backdrop, yet not be dominated by the surroundings.
Master architect Pei has designed many important structures all over the world including the famous National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
Pei also designed the Louvre Pyramid (of recent Da Vinci Code fame) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both glass pyramids
Three important I.M. Pei Denver commissions were the Mile High Tower, The Zeckendorf Plaza and the 16th Street Mall.
Both Mile High Tower (1956) and Zeckendorf Plaza (1960) have only partially survived, which is truly surprising considering Pei’s importance in the world of architecture.
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I saw this beautiful building by chance on a cross-country trip in 1969 and decided it was where I had to land my first real job as an adult. We needed to keep driving, however, and I never returned or looked into positions at the NCAR. Almost forty years later I find myself happily at work in another of I. M. Pei’s atmospheric buildings, the East Building of the National Gallery of Art.