It is not easy to make a name for oneself in the modern world of architecture. So many designers and so many buildings going up that a lot of talent is often lost in the world’s competition to build the next landmark. Further, many self-proclaimed genius architects lack anything distinct, but simply borrow from their rivals and add a few new things to their “new” piece.
But Zaha Hadid is not one of those. She is in a league of her own with some of the most creative and innovative structures to go up in decades, if not ever.
The Baghdad born architect and current professor at the University of Applied Arts Vienna has designed majestic buildings around the world. These are some of her most famous and exceptional.
Properly Oxford University selected Hadid to design a new building for their Middle East Center at St. Anthony’s College.
(Photo Credit: www.thecoolhunter.net)
The aptly named Softbridge Building will house a lecture theater, library, exhibition and reception room, archives room, and library storage.
(Photo Credit: www.thecoolhunter.net)
Hadid is a becoming a call-girl, so to speak, for Olympic architecture. She designed the 2012 New York Olympic village, it was part of New York’s bid, which of course it did not win. But will New York didn’t win, London did and another one of Hadid’s Olympic structures will go up: Aquatics Center.
( Photo Credit: Wikipedia)
The facility will feature two 50-metre swimming pool and a 25-metre diving pool.
The Signature Towers (or Dancing Towers) of Dubai are additional testament to Hadid’s ability to see a smart idea and make it a reality.
( Photo Credit: Wikepedia)
Finally (for this post not for Zaha), Hadid recently won the international competition to design the Vilnius Guggenheim Hermitage Museum. Competition included Daniel Libeskind (architect of the Freedom Tower [new World Trade Center]), but Hadid won the day. The Museum will house exhibits from both the New York City Guggenheim and the St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum. Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania.
( Photo Credit: Wikipedia)
Additional Information: See Zaha Hadid’s official site.
