Last week, the world was shocked to hear the news of the sudden death of Zaha Hadid. The Iraqi-British architect, who was made a Dame in the 2012 New Year’s Honours List, was a pioneering figure in her field, and the first woman to receive the esteemed Pritzker Architecture Prize.
To remember and to celebrate her groundbreaking contribution to design, we’ve chosen our top 6 projects from her inspiring body of work.
Project: Vitra Fire Station, Weil am Rhein, Germany
Date: 1994
Details: Following a damaging fire, Zaha Hadid was commissioned to design a new building for the Vitra Design Campus, home of the acclaimed Vitra Design Museum. This project was her first, and although small in scale it made a huge impact on the world of architecture.
Project: Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Date: 2003
Details: A series of firsts. The CAC was the first US museum to be designed by a woman, the first of Zaha Hadid's US projects, and the first major project to be constructed in what was considered the city's declining downtown area.
Project: Evelyn Grace Academy, London, UK
Date: 2008
Details: The design of this Z-shaped school in Brixton, south London, which is built over a running track, secured Zaha Hadid the Stirling Prize, the UK's most prestigious architectural award.
Project: Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou, China
Date: 2010
Details: Considered one of her most important buildings, the pebble-like design of the Opera House on the banks of the Pearl River in the Guangdong Province of China perfectly complements its riverside setting.
Project: London Aquatics Centre, Stratford, UK
Date: 2012
Details: The undulating roof and cathedral-like structure ensured that this stunning building was the silent star of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Project: Stuart Weitzman Boutique, Milan, Italy
Date: 2013
Details: Zaha Hadid was commissioned by the American footwear designer to design a series of boutiques for his eponymous label, and this Milanese flagship on the Via Sant'Andrea was her first.
In addition to her architectural projects, Zaha has collaborated with brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Alessi, spanning the fields of interior design, art, fashion and fine jewelry to produce some unique items and artifacts, all with her distinctive design signature. Her influence extends far beyond her chosen profession, and she will be greatly missed.
Photos: zaha-hadid.com