Born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1950, Zaha Hadid was an architect who was based in England. She produced unique and characteristic works with organic curves and fluid lines. She passed away at the age of 65, and was missed by many.
Photo credit https://www.fashion-headline.com/ Fashion Headline Ltd.
The trials of the “Unbuilt Architect”
Zaha became independent in 1980, and as she won a design competition for Peak in Hong Kong 1983, her career outlook seemed great. However, the Hongkong Project never made it past the drawing papers, and some started calling her the “Queen of the Unbuilt”. Her ambitious and grand plans continued to gather attention and raised her reputation, but due to costs and technological difficulties, none of her plans were ever realized for 10 years. The fact that the Architecture Industry was dominated by men didn’t make things easier, too.
Strong Ideals and Dynamic Curvatures repelled the Headwinds
Zaha’s unique and bold vision transformed Architecture itself. Her liquid-like complicated designs allowed her to win multiple projects, the Pritzker Prize in 2004, and the Gold Medal of the Royal Society of British Architects in 2016, and overcome the criticism thrown her way by conservatives.
The TOKYO 2020 design plan that awed Japan, and the effects it had on the future of Japan
Many Japanese learnt of her name from the news regarding the 2020 TOKYO Olympic Stadium design. The futuristic design that harmonized perfectly with the atmosphere and history of Gaien, Tokyo, had a great impact on Japanese citizens. Although various difficulties led to the stadium not being realized, the impact we received will not be forgotten for a long time.
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Zaha Hadid
Born 10/31/1950
Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Zaha Hadid was an architect who was based in England.
A major figure in deconstructivism, she is one of the most respected figures in modern architecture. Her designs were so drastic and complex, that although many of her designs won competitions, a considerable amount were never completed, thus giving her the name “Queen of the Unbuilt”.
Due to the advance in Architectural technology, some of her plans have become realizable.
Utilizing 3Dimensional CAD and Computational Design, she introduced unimagined curves into design.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Southg Korea, Dongdaemun
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a gigantic cultural hub which replaced the Dongdaemun Stadium. The original price tag for the building was 85 million dollars, but after multiple difficulties and delays in completion, it was finally completed in 2014 with the final cost being 451 million dollars.
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza houses a Library, Concert Hall, and a Department Store. This building that resembles a spaceship or a behemoth creature, is loved by citizens and tourists alike as a place to broadcast design. The unreal atmosphere given off by the irregular rooms and the futuristic, fantasy-like impression the aluminum panels on the outer wall give off will awe all viewers alike.
Genrali Tower
Milano, Italy
AKA “Storto” or “the Twisted One”, the Generali tower is 177 meters high with 44 floors, and is renowned for its 3 magnificent fluid curves. The curved shape of the pedestal represents gravity resulting from the twisted intersections of the three curves.
Skybridge HQ
Shanghai, China
An Office/Commercial facility comprising multiple streamlined buildings. Located in the heart of the Industrial and Economic district, the mammoth futuristic building represents Zaha very well.
The complex is made up of multiple small buildings surrounding the Larger Buildings connected by curved pillars. It is also famous for its environment friendly ventilation and lighting systems.
Port Authority Building
Antwerp, Belgium
The Antwerp Port Authority decided to re-use an abandoned fire station, which was also a replica of a Hanseatic House. Due to its historical nature it was not to be demolished, and Zaha Hadid came up with the new design which preserved the original house but also redefined the building.
The newly constructed upper part of the building resembles a diamond with glass covering it on all sides. This is because Antwerp has the largest trading volume of Diamonds in the world.
The Porthouse Plaza is named “Zaha Hadid Square” for this architecture.
