Famous architect of the world

Making a difference – Graduation Project.
After three years of weariness from studying the stable architectural movements of the time, Zaha decided to, finally, make a difference in her fourth year. She decided to break the prevalent stability by introducing a style which she described as follows: “It was very anti-design. It was almost a movement of anti-architecture.” It was influenced by Suprematism, a Russian art movement, founded by Kazimir Malevich, which employs basic geometric shapes in a limited range of colors. That influence was clear in her graduation project, in 1977, when she fragmented and abstracted one of Malevich’s works then reshaped it into a new form. Zaha’s remarkable talent, commended by her teachers, Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis, was immediately put to use after her graduation. She was appointed as an assistant lecturer in the AA and made a partner in OMA, with her teachers, before launching her own studio in 1979.
Frustrating Rejection – A Career in Jeopardy.
Finally, after many attempts at making it into the 3-dimensional realm, Zaha won the competition to design Vitra Fire Station in 1990. The design, titled “Movement Frozen,” featured a pure concrete block with angular edges that seem to be stretched to a focal point. The unique form gave a new meaning to the use of concrete. According to the architectural photographer Hélène Binet: “She has created an incredible signature. Concrete became something else, I think, after her.”

That was the light before the darkness that came with the Cardiff Bay Opera House project. Zaha’s win for the first prize in the competition, in 1994, was a cause of controversy and harsh criticism from those who believed her design to be inapplicable. The negative attitude towards the proposal was incomprehensible to Zaha who thought: “The plaza sections are not the same as a normal building. It is not a square building or a rectangle. That project was easy… Could be easily done.” All the ruckus has deeply depressed her to the extent that she, actually, decided to quit architecture.

Unprecedented Glory – Hard Work Pays Off
Luckily for Zaha and the world, Patrick Schumacher was a great motivator and supporter. He helped bring her back to her feet and snatch Zaha Hadid Architects from the recession caused by the Cardiff “Curse,” to start their golden age with the new millennium.

The 2000s have witnessed many of Zaha Hadid’s designs coming to life finally, thanks to the developed technologies which have rendered them possible. Her designs became international landmarks, widely celebrated and admired by both, the architectural community and the public.

What is Zaha Hadid known for?

In 2004, she was awarded the Pritzker Prize, the field’s most prestigious award, to be the first female ever to achieve such an honor. Then in 2012, she became Dame Zaha Hadid, after getting appointed as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DME) which is the considered the “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.” Her last triumph, before she leaves this world at the age of 65 after a heart attack, was the recognition by the RIBA who granted her the 2016 Royal Gold Medal to be again the first female honored with a highly-esteemed architectural award.

Zaha Hadid has carved her name deep in history with her outstanding architecture and extraordinary accomplishments. People may not know all the hardships she faced to get her name where it stands now, but they, certainly, know that she is a figure worthy of utmost respect and a sure proof of what women are capable of.


GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS IN THREE LANGUAGES.

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