ZAHA HADID

Submitted By: Prakriti Kafle

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA

 INTRODUCTION
• Zaha Hadid: Internationally acclaimed architect and
designer.
• Birth: Born on October 31, 1950, in Baghdad, Iraq.
• She studied mathematics the American University of
Beirut (Lebanon) in 1968.
• In 1972 she moved to London (UK), to join the
Association of Architecture where she graduated
with honors in 1977 and served as a teacher soon
after.
• After her first building was commissioned and built in
1994, the Vitra Fire Station in Germany, her career
took a leap forward.
• Death: Passed away on March 31, 2016, in Miami,
Florida, United States.
•
 EARLY LIFE AND
EDUCATION
•
• Cultural Background: Hadid was
raised in a politically influential
family in Baghdad, Iraq.
• Academic Journey: She initially
studied mathematics at the
American University of Beirut
before pursuing architecture.
• Move to London: Hadid moved to
London in 1972 and enrolled at
the Architectural Association
School of Architecture.
 ARCHITECTURAL
CAREER
•
• Establishment of Zaha Hadid Architects:
In 1979, Hadid founded her own
practice, Zaha Hadid Architects, based
in London.
• Innovative Design Approach: Hadid's
designs were characterized by their
futuristic and fluid forms, pushing the
boundaries of architectural expression.
• Signature Style: Her works often
featured organic curves, sharp angles,
and unconventional shapes,
challenging traditional architectural
 ARCHITECTURAL
STYLE
•Her style is deconstructivism, that encourages
radical freedom of form and the open
manifestation of complexity in a building
rather than strict attention to functional
concerns and conventional design elements
(as right angles or grids).
•Using light volumes, sharp, angular forms, the
play of light and the integration of the
buildings with the landscape.
 AWARDS AND
RECOGNITION
•
• Pritzker Architecture Prize: Hadid
was awarded the prestigious
Pritzker Architecture Prize in
2004, becoming the first woman
to receive the honor.
• Royal Gold Medal: In 2016, she
became the first female
architect to receive the Royal
Gold Medal from the Royal
Institute of British Architects
(RIBA).
• Time's 100 Most Influential
CONCEPTS

• Gravity-defying
• Fragmentary
• Revolutionary
 NOTABLE PROJECTS:
Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan: A landmark cultural center renowned for its undulating white surfaces and flowing lines.

MAXXI National Museum of the 21st Century Arts, Rome, Italy: The first Italian national museum dedicated to contemporary arts and
architecture.
Guangzhou Opera House, China: A striking cultural landmark resembling two pebbles washed ashore by the Pearl River.

London Aquatics Centre, United Kingdom: A distinctive venue for the 2012 Olympic Games, known for its sweeping wave-like roof
structure.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Abu Dhabi, UAE: An iconic bridge featuring an arch-like design inspired by the natural landscape.
HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTRE
• Project Title: Heydar AlIyev Centre
• Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
• Year: 2007-2012
• Client: The Republic of Azerbaijan
• Status: Completed
•
•
• Location: The Heydar Aliyev Center is located in
Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.
• Architect: The center was designed by the
renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
• Purpose: It serves as a multi-purpose cultural
center, hosting various events and exhibitions.
• Unique Design: The building is known for its
distinct and fluid architectural form, resembling
a flowing wave or a folded piece of fabric.
• Iconic Features:
• Roof: The roof of the center is a single
continuous surface without any straight
lines or angles.
• White Facade: The exterior is clad in white,
creating a sense of elegance and
• Functionality: The center includes spaces for
exhibitions, a conference hall, a library, a museum,
and a concert hall.
• Cultural Significance: The center is named after
Heydar Aliyev, the former president of Azerbaijan,
and is dedicated to promoting the country's
history, culture, and achievements.
• Award-winning Design: The Heydar Aliyev Center
has received numerous architectural awards and
accolades for its innovative design and
contribution to modern architecture.
• Public Accessibility: The center is open to the
public and attracts visitors from around the world.
• Symbol of Modern Azerbaijan: The center has
become an iconic symbol of contemporary
architecture in Azerbaijan, representing the
THE MAXXI
NATIONAL MUSEUM, • Location: The MAXXI National Museum is located in Rome,

ROME, ITALY •
Italy.
Architect: The museum was designed by the renowned
architect Zaha Hadid.
• Purpose: MAXXI is a contemporary art and architecture
museum dedicated to promoting and showcasing works
from the 21st century.
• Unique Design: The building has a distinctive and
unconventional design characterized by fluid lines, bold
angles, and interconnected spaces.
• Architectural Features:
• Curvilinear Form: The museum features a
curvilinear and asymmetrical structure, creating
a sense of movement and dynamism.
• Natural Light: The design incorporates natural light
through skylights and large windows, creating a
play of light and shadows.
• Open Spaces: MAXXI incorporates spacious
galleries and atriums that encourage exploration
 • Functionality: The museum houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, a multimedia
library, an auditorium, a bookshop, and a café.
• Art and Architecture Collection: MAXXI's collection includes contemporary art,
architecture, photography, and design from both Italian and international artists.
• Cultural Significance: The museum is a cultural landmark in Rome and serves as a
platform for promoting and engaging with contemporary art and architecture.
• Awards and Recognition: MAXXI National Museum has received several architectural
awards, including the Stirling Prize for Architecture in 2010.
• Public Accessibility: The museum is open to the public and offers educational programs,
workshops, and events to engage visitors of all ages.
•
 THE GUANGZHOU
OPERA HOUSE

• Location: The Guangzhou Opera House is located in

Guangzhou, China.
• Architect: The opera house was designed by the
renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
• Purpose: The Guangzhou Opera House is a cultural
facility dedicated to hosting opera performances,
concerts, and other cultural events.
• Unique Design: The building features a striking and
fluid architectural design that resembles two
pebbles washed ashore by the Pearl River.
•Cultural Significance: The Guangzhou Opera House is
a symbol of Guangzhou's commitment to arts and
culture, providing a platform for local and international
• Architectural Features:
• Curved Forms: The opera house
incorporates sweeping curves and fluid
lines, creating a sense of movement and
harmony.
• Integration with the Environment: The
design integrates with the surrounding
landscape, with the building's exterior
reflecting the water of the Pearl River.
• Grand Theater: The opera house includes a
grand theater with seating capacity for
over 1,800 people, designed to offer an
immersive experience for performers and
audiences.
•Landmark Status: The Guangzhou Opera House has
become an architectural icon and a prominent
THE LONDON • Location: The London Aquatics Centre is
located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park,
AQUATICS CENTRE London, United Kingdom.
• Architect: The center was designed by the
renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
• Purpose: The Aquatics Centre was built for the
swimming and diving events of the 2012
Olympic Games and now serves as a public
swimming facility.
• Unique Design: The building features a
distinct and futuristic architectural design,
embodying fluidity and movement.
• Legacy of the Olympics: The Aquatics
Centre is a symbol of the legacy of the 2012
Olympic Games, showcasing London's
commitment to sport and architecture.
• Accessibility and Facilities: The center
offers a range of facilities, including multiple
swimming pools, diving boards, seating
areas, and changing rooms.
•Public Use: Following the Olympics, the
Aquatics Centre was adapted for public use,
allowing people of all ages to enjoy swimming and
other aquatic activities.
• Architectural Features:
• Wave-Like Roof: The most prominent
feature of the Aquatics Centre is its
undulating roof, resembling a wave or a
flowing fabric.
• Transparency: The design incorporates
large glass walls, allowing natural light to
flood the interior and providing
panoramic views of the surrounding
park.
• Energy Efficiency: The center was built with
THE SHEIKH
ZAYED BRIDGE

• Location: The Sheikh Zayed Bridge is

located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of
the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Architect: The bridge was designed by the
renowned architect Zaha Hadid.
• Purpose: The Sheikh Zayed Bridge serves
as a vital transportation link, spanning the
Maqta Creek and connecting the mainland
with Abu Dhabi Island.
• Unique Design: The bridge showcases an
iconic and innovative architectural design,
becoming a symbol of Abu Dhabi's
modernity and progress.
• Architectural Features:
• Arch-like Design: The bridge features
a soaring arch-like design, inspired by
the undulating sand dunes and the
flowing movement of desert waves.
• Fluidity and Elegance: The
structure embodies fluid lines and
elegant curves, exuding a sense of
grace and dynamism.
• Illumination: The bridge is illuminated
at night, showcasing a stunning display
of lights that accentuate its form and
create a captivating visual impact.
•Technological Marvel: The Sheikh Zayed Bridge
demonstrates engineering excellence and
• Iconic Representation: The Sheikh Zayed
Bridge represents the cultural significance
and aspirations of the UAE, honoring the
legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan, the country's founding father.
• Connectivity: The bridge enhances
connectivity and facilitates
smoother transportation between the
mainland and Abu Dhabi Island,
alleviating traffic congestion.
• Architectural Recognition: The Sheikh
Zayed Bridge has garnered international
acclaim and received architectural
awards for its visionary design and
contribution to the field of architecture.
•
CONCLUSION In summary, Zaha Hadid was a revolutionary
architect whose innovative designs pushed the
limits of architectural expression. Her visionary
approach and iconic buildings have left an
indelible mark on the world of architecture