Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid was a revolutionary architect. Often named the “Queen of the Curve”, her works are remembered as distinct, unconventional, and of a forward-thinking nature.
Hadid moved to London in 1972, inspired by the avantgarde works of Kazimir Malevich and Vladimir Tatlin. She found herself drawn to experiment at the intersection of art, architecture, and design, not limiting herself to the plans of architecture, she immersed into her own definition of the word “architecture””.
She established her own architectural firm in 1980. This has since become one of architecture’s finest elite, working on projects across the globe.
Her first prominent work which arguably established her name in the world of architecture was the Vitra Fire Station. Built in 1993 in Weil am Rhein, Germany, this masterpiece boasts a deconstructivist design featuring striking angular lines and sharp edges that captivate the beholder’s attention. The building, both spatially innovative and functional, serves as a part of the Vitra Campus, an architectural landmark in Germany.
In her later works, her form become more curvature and fluid. In stark contrast to the Vitra Fire Station, we find the architectural blueprint of the Heydar Aliyev Center, located in Azerbaijan. This cultural center stands as an iconic testament to Hadid’s unique architectural style. It distinguishes itself through its fluid, curvilinear design, featuring organic and flowing shapes, a stark departure from the angular aesthetics of the Vitra Fire Station.
The most prominent feature of the Heydar Aliyev Center is its undulating and sweeping roof, which spans an impressive 50 meters. This architectural marvel gives the illusion of defying gravity and presented a significant and complex challenge in terms of construction, necessitating innovative building methods. It has become a true symbol of contemporary architectural excellence.
Her other prominent works include: Guangzhou Opera House (2010), London Aquatics Centre (2012), and the MAXXI – National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Rome, Italy (2009).
Zaha Hadid become the first woman to win the Prtizker Prize. Recognising her talent for distorting form, space, and perspective.
“She has devised shapes that we never thought we could do” – Sir Peter Cook
Abstraction, fragmentation, and movement are key themes in Hadid’s designs. She takes inspiration from free calligraphy, geometric shapes, and pattern, designing building ideas into segments of design.
The surge in technological advancements, particularly digital rendering and 3D programming, played a pivotal role in enabling Hadid’s designs to embrace the concept of futurism while pushing the boundaries of architectural ideologies, her intricate structures unmistakably testify to her pioneering vision. Allowing the space to immerse fully into ideas of dynamism dystopian structures, almost as if they have descended from another world.
“I almost believed that there was such thing as zero gravity.” – Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid was a visionary ahead of her time, and her projects are a testament to her innovative spirit. Her legacy will continue to ignite the creativity of generations in shaping the architectural landscape.
Images courtesy of Pexels and Unsplash
