Three years ago on March 31st, the world lost the great Dame Zaha Hadid. Identifiably one of the most revered architects of her time, Hadid's legacy continuously lives on through art, architecture, and fashion. Known for her larger than life personality, piercing leadership, and continuous creative output, Hadid was a trailblazer in design and a champion for the future of architecture. Her accomplishments and influence within the profession can be noted as relentless and groundbreaking.
Pulling from her long list of accolades, Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Prize in 2004 and the first awarded the Royal Gold Medal for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects. During an interview published in Icon magazine, Hadid stated "I never use the issue about being a woman architect...but if it helps younger people to know they can break through the glass ceiling, I don't mind that." Leaving a truly inspiring legacy, Hadid believed in pushing boundaries, promoting education, and challenging the ordinary.
..there are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?
Often called "the Queen of the Curve," the Iraqi-born British architect is
famed for her seductively voluminous forms and dynamically fluid shaped structures; Hadid often expressed, "there are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?" Some of her most notable works include the Guangzhou Opera House in China, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baki, and the Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg, Germany. Her endless creative perspective and flamboyant personality are what the architecture world will miss. However, her practice and overall spirit still live on despite the recent controversy that occurred over her estate towards the end of 2018 involving the current principal of ZHA, Patrik Schumacher.
In a recent interview with Marcus Fairs of Dezeen, Schumacher discussed working with the starchitect, the practice's current state and what he sees for its future. A young architect and student when the two met in 1988, Schumacher immediately wanted to join Hadid and work for her practice. During the interview, one thing was clearly expressed by Schumacher, the success of the practice as an immense creative force in the field. Numbers and figures were shared in terms of turnover and growth as well as Schumacher's history with the practice and his eventual transition as leader.
There has been much talk of having the studio continue under a creative model similar to that of fashion houses like Chanel. According to Schumacher, the practice needs to become "a creative brand of sorts" where creativity, research, and development must be continued. He uses Rem Koolhaas' office, OMA, as an example of studios that are preparing themselves and the future of the studio when their esteemed leader may no longer be around. When talk of keeping Zaha's name linked to the studio, Schumacher disclosed that the topic is under much discussion. However, he did express that it would not be his name on the door, but something that matches and expresses the studio's ambitions and creative direction.
You have to really believe not only in yourself; you have to believe that the world is actually worth your sacrifices
Despite the headlines and slivers of controversy surrounding the famed studio, Zaha Hadid's legacy will not be forgotten. Those who have worked with and beside her are keen on making sure the level of creative ferocity and limits of design are always pushed and challenged the same way Hadid would have. "You have to really believe not only in yourself; you have to believe that the world is actually worth your sacrifices."
7 Comments
Meanwhile Schumcher is busy dragging Zaha's legacy through the courts for his own benefit.
Exactly WTF is he sacrificing (besides the obvious, like respect for Zaha's wishes)?
I can understand not wanting to give up your brand name. So, he should find a middle ground or risk a kind of stasis that will doom the firm. Maybe just get rid of both ZHA and Zaha Hadid Architects and just make it ZAHArch, which implies a brand name style but not the Weekend at Bernie’s attitude of the full name
Weekend at Zaha's?
The Architects Formerly Known As Zaha Hadid Architets or TAFKAZ
For many years I didn't even know that Zaha Hadid was a woman. I was just astounded by her buildings. Concrete has no gender.
The issue of her being a woman architect reminds me a bit of the era when gay people had to create gay movies to be depicted at all.
By now gay characters appear in perfectly "straight" movies and they are no big deal. I wish that could happen for Zaha Hadid as well.
Well, now only gay people are "allowed" to portray gay characters in movies, apparently.
Remember as her the best. Love her last work of One Thousand Museum located in Miami. http://onethousandmiami.com/ RIP Zaha Hadid!
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