ZAHA HADID:
REDEFINING
MODERN
ARCHITECTURE
Featuring MAXXI Museum, Guangzhou Opera House, and
London Aquatics Center
Presenter: Mohammad Yousef Orya
Kabul University
Engineering Faculty, Architecture Department
TOPICS TO BE COVERED
TODAY
• Contents :
• Introduction to Zaha Hadid.
• zaha Hadid’s Education.
• Architectural philosophy.
• Awards.
• Publications .
• Legacy and conclusion.
INTRODUCTION TO ZAHA
HADID
• Full Name: Dame
Zaha Mohammad
Hadid
• Birth: October 31,
1950, Baghdad,
Iraq
• Death: March 31,
2016, Miami,
Florida, USA
• Nationality: Iraqi-
British
ZAHA HADID’S
EDUCATION
• Primary and
Secondary
Education.
• Undergraduate
studies.
Architectural Training.
• Post-Graduation.
THE BEGINNING OF ZAHA
HADID'S PROFESSIONAL
CAREER
• After graduating from the Architectural
Association in London in 1977, Zaha Hadid
joined OMA, working under mentors like Rem
Koolhaas. In 1980, she founded Zaha Hadid
Architects in London, but her bold and
experimental designs initially faced
resistance. Her first major recognition came
with The Peak Club concept in Hong Kong
(1983), followed by her first built project, the
Vitra Fire Station in Germany (1993), which
established her as a visionary in
contemporary architecture.
ARCHITECTURAL
PHILOSOPHY
• Zaha Hadid's
architectural philosophy
• • Emphasis on fluid,
sweeping curves and
asymmetry
• • Innovated with
materials and
construction techniques
• • Inspired by movement
in nature and
technology, creating
spaces that defy
traditional forms
MAXXI MUSEUM (INTRO)
• Location: Rome, Italy
• Year of Completion: 2010
• Cost:
• Approximately €150
million (about $200 million
at the time).
• Area:
• 29,000 square meters
(312,000 square feet.
• Awarded the Stirling Prize
in 2010.
MAXXI MUSEUM (DESIGN
FEATURES)
Key Architectural Features
of MAXXI
• Dynamic structure with
flowing forms and bridges
connecting sections
• Use of concrete, steel,
and glass for a modern
aesthetic
• Engages viewers with
natural lighting and
spatial flexibility
GUANGZHOU OPERA
HOUSE (INTRO)
• Location: Guangzhou,
China
• Year of Completion: 2010
• Cost:Approximately ¥1.38
billion (about $200 million at
the time).
• Area:70,000 square meters
(approximately 753,000
square feet).
• Seating Capacity: The main
auditorium seats around
1,800 people.
GUANGZHOU OPERA
HOUSE (DESIGN FEATURES)
• Organic Form: Inspired
by "pebbles in a
stream," the design
integrates natural,
asymmetrical
shapes.Facade:
Constructed with
triangular glass and
steel panels forming a
crystalline structure,
resembling fractured
stone.
LONDON AQUATICS
CENTRE (INTRO)
• Location: London, United
Kingdom
• Year of Completion: 2011
• Final Cost: Approximately
£269 million. The initial
estimate was around £75
million.
• Area20,000 square meters
(approximately 215,000
square feet).Includes a 50-
meter competition pool, a
50-meter training pool,
and a diving pool.
LONDON AQUATICS
CENTRE (DESIGN FEATURES)
• Key Elements: Wave-like
roof, fluid design, and
functionality for large
crowds.
• The structure was created
to accommodate Olympic
events and later
transformed for public use,
showcasing adaptive
design.
IMPACT ON MODERN
ARCHITECTURE
• Zaha Hadid's works have
redefined modern
architecture, inspiring a
new generation of
architects to experiment
with fluid, unconventional
forms. Her designs
continue to influence
contemporary
architecture around the
world.
AWARDS AND
RECOGNITIONS
• Pritzker Architecture
Prize (2004): The first
woman to receive this
prestigious honor.
• Stirling Prize: Won in
2010 and 2011 for her
innovative designs.
Awarded the Royal
Gold Medal for
Architecture in 2016.
ZAHA HADID’S
PUBLICATIONS
• complete works.
• Architecture and
design.
• Form in Motion .
• The Complete Zaha
Hadid.
LEGACY AND
CONCLUSION
• Zaha Hadid's legacy endures through
her visionary designs and innovative
approach. Her works remain a
testament to the power of architecture
in transforming urban spaces and
inspiring future generations.
QUESTION?
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION
