Zaha Hadid: Avant-garde architecture and concrete spaceships

Contents:

• Planet in its own orbit
• Soft lines and strict calculations

Zaha Hadid is an Iraqi-British architect known for her uncompromising approach to architecture. She gained worldwide recognition for her unique projects, such as a glass tower with a hole in the center, an office center with unusual staircases in Moscow's Dubrovka, and a wave-shaped building in post-Soviet Baku. In this article, we will examine the boldness of Hadid's architectural solutions and their influence on contemporary architecture.

A Planet in Its Own Orbit

Zaha Hadid, an outstanding architect, was born on October 31, 1950, in Baghdad to a wealthy and progressive family. Her father was a politician with liberal views, and her mother was an artist, which contributed to the formation of a creative atmosphere in the family. It was her mother who introduced Zaha to fine art, which awakened her interest in architecture and design. Family travels to different countries broadened her horizons and allowed her to deeper understand the diversity of cultures, including architectural styles and traditions. These early experiences formed the foundation for her unique approach to architecture and design, which later brought her worldwide renown.

At the age of 22, Zaha Hadid completed her studies in mathematics at the American University of Beirut. She then entered the Architectural Association in London, where she began to develop her unique signature style. This period became a key period in her career and shaped her subsequent work in the field of architecture. Zaha Hadid became known for her bold and innovative projects that changed the perception of modern architectural design.

At architecture school, Zaha Hadid studied with the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, a prominent representative of deconstructivism. Zaha Hadid's early projects vividly exemplify the characteristic features of this style: complex structures, asymmetrical and sometimes irrational forms, and broken lines. In addition, she was inspired by the Russian avant-garde, especially the works of Kazimir Malevich and Wassily Kandinsky. Hadid was drawn to their spirit of innovation and risk-taking, as well as their desire to reject traditional forms. These ideas became the foundation of her architectural vision and creativity.

Explaining to people that traditional rectangular buildings are not the only way to organize space is quite a challenge. There are many alternative architectural forms and designs that can effectively utilize available space. It is important to recognize that a variety of forms and solutions in architecture can not only enrich the visual landscape but also improve the functionality of buildings. Innovative design approaches, such as the use of curvilinear forms and unconventional materials, open up new horizons for the development of space and can significantly improve the comfort of living and working.

Zaha Hadid, the renowned architect and designer, shared her views on contemporary art and architecture in an interview with The Guardian. She noted that architecture should not only be functional but also inspiring. Hadid emphasized the importance of innovation in design and the use of new technologies. In her opinion, architecture should reflect the dynamics of time and the desire for change, creating unique spaces that meet the needs of society.

Hadid also emphasized the importance of collaboration between architects and artists, which allows for the creation of more harmonious and expressive objects. Her works, distinguished by bold forms and unconventional solutions, are becoming symbols of a contemporary approach to architecture. In an interview, she encouraged young architects not to be afraid to experiment and challenge traditional norms in order to create something new and unique.

Thus, Zaha Hadid's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of professionals striving to change the face of the urban environment and contribute to the development of architecture.

"A planet in its own orbit" is how Rem Koolhaas described Zaha Hadid. In 1978, he offered his gifted student a job at OMA. Two years later, she founded her own architectural agency, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). While one might say that this was the beginning of her remarkable career, in reality, many of her ideas remained on paper for a long time. Zaha Hadid's projects evoked mixed feelings in the public. Despite winning numerous competitions, their implementation faced difficulties due to their high costs. Hadid's uncompromising stance, unwilling to compromise her ideas, also played a significant role. For over a decade, her architectural firm was actively involved in the design of furniture, interior design, and, unexpectedly, footwear. These areas became an integral part of her creative work, demonstrating a unique approach to style and functionality.

The first significant success came to Zaha Hadid in 1993, when in Germany Vitra's fire station, designed by her, was completed. This unusual structure, consisting of sharply angled concrete slabs, impressed critics and clients, leading to an increasing number of projects for the distinctive architect. Hadid's architectural firm began receiving new commissions, which became increasingly large-scale and ambitious.

Soft Lines and Strict Calculations

Zaha Hadid's architectural style has evolved over time. Instead of the characteristic sharpness of deconstructivism, her works began to feature softer and more organic forms. These works feature elements of space futurism, easily associated with the sets of films about the distant technological future, such as "Gattaca" or "Brave New World." Hadid's work continues to inspire and set new trends in architecture, combining innovative approaches with a unique visual language.

Zaha Hadid's architecture is distinguished by its dynamism and expressiveness of form. Her projects often feature flowing lines, smooth textures, and reflective surfaces, which create a feeling of lightness and airiness. These characteristics allow the buildings, despite their scale, to organically fit into the surrounding environment, without creating a feeling of overcrowding. Hadid's architectural style emphasizes the harmony between structure and nature, which makes her works unique and memorable.

Zaha Hadid's projects are impressive in their scale and the complexity of their structures, which often seem to defy the laws of gravity. Initially, all complex design calculations were performed manually by Hadid's agency specialists. However, in the early 2000s, modern technology came to the rescue. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) began actively using parametric architecture: new projects are developed using computer modeling, and complex technical solutions are implemented using algorithms. This significantly simplifies, speeds up, and increases the accuracy of the implementation of Zaha Hadid's bold ideas.

With each new building created based on Zaha Hadid's designs, her authority in the architectural community significantly increased. In 2004, she became the first woman architect to be awarded the Pritzker Prize, which was a significant event in the history of architecture. This prestigious prize recognized her outstanding contribution to contemporary architectural art and confirmed her status as a pioneer in this field. Hadid's work is distinguished by bold forms and innovative solutions, making her style unique and recognizable.

On March 31, 2016, Zaha Hadid died of a heart attack, leaving behind 36 unfinished projects. These projects are now being carried out by the ZHA agency, which preserves and develops the architectural traditions of its founder. Although Zaha Hadid had no family, her legacy lives on in unique architectural designs around the world that continue to inspire a new generation of architects and designers.

In this project, Zaha Hadid sought to combine elements of Islamic architecture with modern concepts, creating a harmonious structure that fits organically into the gray post-Soviet environment. The building's exterior features a wave-shaped structure constructed of white fiberglass with a glazed façade. The interior spaces feature textured surfaces and oak finishes, while the light-filled central atrium creates a cozy atmosphere. The architect considered this Cultural Center one of her key projects, reflecting her unique style and approach to architecture.

Morpheus is one of the iconic projects of the architect Zaha Hadid, completed after her death. The building is part of the gambling and hotel complex City of Dreams in Macau and is a unique architectural ensemble. Morpheus consists of two towers connected by three bridges, which gives it an original and memorable appearance.

One of the key features of Morpheus is its "free form." The architects noted that the design has a minimal number of load-bearing elements, and stability is achieved through an innovative mesh structure that wraps around the building, functioning like an exoskeleton. This solution not only enhances the strength of the structure but also creates natural shading inside, which significantly improves guest comfort. Morpheus has become not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of modern trends in construction, combining aesthetics and functionality.

The premium business center Dominion Tower is located in Moscow on Sharikopodshipnikovskaya Street. The project has a complicated history: construction began in 2008, but was soon suspended due to the financial crisis. In 2012, with the participation of Russian architect Nikolay Lyutomsky, the project was redesigned to reduce costs. As a result, in 2015 the building opened its doors to tenants, becoming an important part of Moscow's business district. Dominion Tower offers modern office space and high-quality services, making it an attractive choice for companies seeking a prestigious location.

Despite its minimalist design, Dominion Tower stands out from other projects by Zaha Hadid. Its form may seem restrained, without pronounced waves and metaphors, but it has its own style. The main element that distinguishes the building from traditional strict forms is the shifting floors, which symbolizes the movement of tectonic plates. The building's façade is made of white stone and glass, emphasizing its modernity and elegance. Dominion Tower combines functionality and aesthetic simplicity, making it a unique example of 21st-century architecture.

The building is impressive not only from the outside but also from the inside. The spacious atrium is decorated primarily in white with black accents, creating a stylish and contemporary look. The expansive space is divided by numerous staircases, which lend dynamism and movement to the interior. Corian, one of architect Zaha Hadid's preferred materials, is used in the finishes, adding elegance and sophistication. This unique design not only attracts attention but also creates a comfortable atmosphere for visitors.

Al Janoub Stadium was prepared for the World Cup The stadium, which will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, was opened in 2019. Its architecture harmoniously blends elements of local culture, functionality, and environmental design. The structure's soft lines evoke the sails of traditional Qatari dhows, emphasizing respect for the region's deep-rooted maritime industry. The stadium not only serves as a sports arena but also symbolizes Qatar's cultural heritage, reflecting its historical traditions and contemporary architectural achievements. The stadium's streamlined shape plays a key role in its functionality, particularly in Qatar's frequent sandstorms. This architectural design effectively withstands wind loads. A modern cooling system and a retractable roof ensure the stadium can be used year-round. These features make the stadium not only a convenient but also a high-tech facility, capable of hosting events at any time.

Elite 11-story residential building in New York City was one of Zaha Hadid's most recent landmark projects. Hadid's architectural creations often resemble alien spaceships landed in familiar urban landscapes, such as the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku. However, this residential complex has been successfully integrated into New York's environment thanks to the architect's attention to materials and elements characteristic of the area. The project demonstrates a unique style that combines modern architectural aesthetics with local traditions, emphasizing the city's individuality and creating comfortable living conditions.

The railway line located immediately adjacent to the building reflects the flexible lines and rounded forms of the building, reminiscent of railway tracks. Numerous buildings in the surrounding area are clad in cast iron panels, which are referenced in the stainless steel façade elements in Zaha Hadid's project. These elements were carefully hand-finished to achieve a matte surface and the desired dark tone. The building's interior spaces embody the familiar luxury characteristic of Zaha Hadid's work: snow-white lobbies, panoramic windows, unique interiors, and an unwavering signature style that draws attention and creates an atmosphere of modernity and elegance.