Architecture

Zaha Hadid: The Visionary Who Forever Changed Architecture

Zaha Hadid was much more than the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize — she was a revolutionary force who redefined the very essence of modern architecture.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
The creations of Zaha Hadid and her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, have left a profound imprint on cities from China to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan. / Photo New York Times
The creations of Zaha Hadid and her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, have left a profound imprint on cities from China to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan. / Photo vía European Pressphoto Agency

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1950, Zaha Hadid later moved to London, where she established her career and became one of the most influential architects of our time.

 

Known as the “Queen of the Curve,” her groundbreaking designs broke away from traditional forms, bringing futuristic, fluid structures to life.

 

The creations of Zaha Hadid and her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, have left a profound imprint on cities from China to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan. 

 

Her designs, known for their futuristic curves and bold, organic forms, are instantly recognizable and stand as testaments to her genius.

The creations of Zaha Hadid and her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, have left a profound imprint on cities from China to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan / Photo Dezeen
The creations of Zaha Hadid and her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, have left a profound imprint on cities from China to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Azerbaijan / Photo Ledesk

Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Scotland

One of her most celebrated projects, the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, Scotland, opened its doors in 2011. 

 

Dedicated to transportation and technology, this museum exemplifies Hadid’s visionary style.

 

 Set along the banks of the River Clyde, the museum’s dynamic, flowing structure mirrors the movement of water, seamlessly blending the building with its environment. 

 

With its wave-like silhouette, it encapsulates the futuristic imagination that Zaha Hadid was renowned for.

Set along the banks of the River Clyde, the museum’s dynamic, flowing structure mirrors the movement of water, seamlessly blending the building with its environment / Photo Riverside Museum
Set along the banks of the River Clyde, the museum’s dynamic, flowing structure mirrors the movement of water, seamlessly blending the building with its environment / Photo Riverside Museum

BMW Central Building, Leipzig, Germany

In Leipzig, Germany, the BMW Central Building showcases Hadid’s ability to merge functionality with dramatic architectural flair. 

 

Completed in 2005, this structure serves as the nerve center for BMW’s production operations. 

 

True to Hadid’s philosophy, the design integrates office spaces and production facilities within a continuous, fluid form. 

 

Featuring open areas connected by internal ramps, the building encourages interaction and operational efficiency, standing as a powerful example of Hadid’s forward-thinking approach.

 

True to Hadid’s philosophy, the design integrates office spaces and production facilities within a continuous, fluid form / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs
True to Hadid’s philosophy, the design integrates office spaces and production facilities within a continuous, fluid form / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs

Galaxy SOHO, Beijing, China

The Galaxy SOHO complex in Beijing, China, further demonstrates Hadid’s mastery of fluid design. 

 

Opened in 2012, this multifunctional urban hub combines offices, retail outlets, and entertainment venues within a single, seamless structure. 

 

Its interconnected domes and flowing bridges embody the organic and futuristic spirit that defined the work of Zaha Hadid, transforming the urban landscape with a vision of connectivity and harmony.

Opened in 2012, this multifunctional urban hub combines offices, retail outlets, and entertainment venues within a single, seamless structure. / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs
Opened in 2012, this multifunctional urban hub combines offices, retail outlets, and entertainment venues within a single, seamless structure. / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs

London Aquatics Centre, United Kingdom

Among Hadid’s most iconic projects is the London Aquatics Centre, designed for the 2012 Olympic Games. 

 

Its stunning undulating roof captures the essence of water in motion, not just in appearance but in functionality as well, enhancing acoustics and natural ventilation inside the facility. 

 

The Centre stands as a testament to Zaha Hadid’s ability to marry aesthetic beauty with practical innovation, reinforcing her status as one of the most influential architects of her generation.

The Centre stands as a testament to Zaha Hadid’s ability to marry aesthetic beauty with practical innovation / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs
The Centre stands as a testament to Zaha Hadid’s ability to marry aesthetic beauty with practical innovation / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs

Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan

The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, represents the pinnacle of Hadid’s architectural vision. 

 

Completed in 2012, the center houses a museum, a concert hall, and multiple exhibition spaces, all enveloped in a continuous, undulating form that seems to rise organically from the ground. 

 

The building’s fluid curves symbolize the blending of modern innovation with cultural heritage, perfectly capturing the spirit of Zaha Hadid’s design philosophy

The building’s fluid curves symbolize the blending of modern innovation with cultural heritage, perfectly capturing the spirit of Zaha Hadid’s design philosophy / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs
The building’s fluid curves symbolize the blending of modern innovation with cultural heritage, perfectly capturing the spirit of Zaha Hadid’s design philosophy / Photo Zaha Hadid Architecs

Questions & Answers

  • 1. What major award did Zaha Hadid win? She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
  • 2. Which of her projects is located in Germany? The BMW Central Building in Leipzig.
  • 3. What was unique about the London Aquatics Centre's design? Its roof was inspired by the movement of water, improving acoustics and ventilation.
  • 4. Where is the Heydar Aliyev Center located? It is in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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