Innovatia

the term parametricism – an architectural style based on computer technology and algorithms. “When we started, we already drew in a ‘para- metric’ way, but by hand with a little help from the computer,” ZHA associate director Woody Yao told The Financial Review in 2019. “All the 360-degree perspectives and so on were already very much a part of Zaha’s vision of buildings and objects. We were always about the pushing of boundaries, never about inno-

(2014), with its sweeping curves and futuristic aesthetic, has become an architectural master- piece. Hadid described its curves as allowing the structure to blur the boundaries between the architecture and the topography. The cen- tre stands as a testament to Hadid’s ability to merge architecture and art, and create spaces that transcend their functional purpose. It won the London Design Museum’s Design of the Year award - the first time it was awarded to a woman, and the first time it was awarded for the architecture category. In Rome, Hadid’s design for the MAXXI muse- um of the 21st century arts (2010) challenged traditional notions of museum architecture. The building’s fluid forms and interconnected spac- es create a sense of exploration and discovery. It

has redefined the museum experience, encour- aging visitors to engage with art in new ways. It also earned Hadid the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize for the best building by a British architect completed in the past year. (She won a second Stirling Prize the following year for a structure she conceived for Evelyn Grace Acad- emy, a secondary school in London.) The Guangzhou Opera House (2010) repre- sents the seamless integration of traditional Chinese architectural elements with Hadid’s futuristic design language. The building’s cur- vilinear forms and shimmering façade pay homage to the city’s rich cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of architectural ex- pression. It stands as a symbol of Guangzhou’s cultural renaissance and Hadid’s ability to cre-

ate architectural icons. Beyond these projects, Hadid’s portfolio boasts a diverse range of designs that show- case her versatility and creative prowess. From the breathtaking stingray design of the London Aquatics Centre (2011), to the dynamic Galaxy SOHO complex in Beijing (2012), each of her pro- jects exhibits her ability to reimagine spaces and leave a lasting impression on the environment. A trailblazer ‘on the edge’ When Hadid won the Pritzker Prize in 2004, the jury noted how consistently she defied con- vention. One juror said that even if she’d never built anything, Hadid would have radically ex- panded the possibilities of architecture. Juror and architecture critic Ada Louise Hux-

vating for innovation’s sake.” Groundbreaking projects

To truly grasp the magnitude of Hadid’s impact, one must look to some of her most notable and celebrated works. The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan

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INNOVATIA

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