Top 10 Revolutionary Projects by Zaha Hadid Architects

Famous all around the globe for her futuristic and unique creations, Zaha Hadid is an exceptional architect whose name is recognized in all the corners of the earth. She is best known for the distinctive futuristic design of her buildings which synonym for modern architecture. Her practice is responsible for numerous amazing projects, most of which are revolutionary and extremely impressive.

1. The Qatar FIFA World Cup Stadium.

London Aquatics Center4

Although not yet completed, this is a project which promises an amazing design and a revolutionary look. The stadium will be located in Qatar. Its construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 so we’re very eager to learn more about the project in the near future. The stadium will have a total of 40,000 seats but the size isn’t the most impressive thing about it.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

The design chosen for the project is inspired by a local fishing boat, with elongated lines and a curving silhouette. A key feature for the stadium will be a modular second tier made primarily of engineered timber which will be dismantled and shipped to various countries after the game.

2. The King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station.

London Aquatics Center4

Another impressive project which will soon become reality is the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the building will respond to the demands brought by the expanding population of the area. The station will have six platforms over 4 public floors as well as two levels of underground parking.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

The futuristic design highlights the building’s importance and also sets the tone for the district’s future vision. The 20,434 square meter structure will be surrounded by a series of pathways, sky bridges and metro lines which will optimize internal circulation and will help avoid congestion.

3. The Heydar Aliyev Center.

London Aquatics Center4

Located in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Heydar Aliyev Center occupies an area of 101801 square meters. It was designed to become the primary building for cultural programs in the country and it has a design very distinct from everything else.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

The building freaks free from the rigid pattern of the Soviet architecture and embraces a more sensitive design with curving lines and a fluid structure.The design was also meant to blur the barriers between building and landscape. The project features a terraced structure with alternative and seamless connections between the public plaza, the building and the underground parking.

4. The One Thousand Museum Tower.

London Aquatics Center4

Located in downtown Miami, the tower is 215 meters high and it’s a very graceful skyscraper. The 60-story condominium has a prominent concrete exoskeleton and it comprises 83 condos ranging from 5400 to 11000 square feet.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

They feature amenities such as private elevators, media rooms, libraries as well as multiple pools, rooftop event spaces, sun decks, a fitness center and even a helipad. The ground floor will be occupied by commercial spaces. The building’s rooftop will be divided up in a series of alternating levels which will include dining areas, decks, pools, private programs and event spaces.

5. The Messner Mountain Museum.

London Aquatics Center4

Located in South Tyrol, Italy, this is the 6th and final Messner Mountain Museum and it was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The project will be completed in the summer of 2014. What’s unique about it is that the building is embedded within Mount Kronplatz.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

It’s a 1000 square meter structure carved withing the mountain and it has a sharp glass canopy which rises from the rock and protects the entrance.The museum was inaugurated in 2003 and it features a series of exhibition spaces on three levels. Moreover, the museum also offers panoramic views across the amazing mountain landscapes.

6. The CMA CGM Headquarters.

London Aquatics Center4

Located in Marseille, France, this impressive structure is the first tower that was built by Zaha Hadid Architects. It;s famous for its vertical form and is disparate volumes. The design chosen is definitely dramatic, especially considering the way the two volumes converge towards each other and then bend apart.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

The tower rises 142.8 meters above the ground and it’s an iconic landmark for the city. The tower is divided into smaller fragments which beautifully interact with each other to form a uniform structure. The exterior facade and the central core of the building share a strong connection emphasized by the conhesive design.{images from Hufton + Crow}.

7. The Vienna Library and Learning Centre.

London Aquatics Center4

Located in Vienna’s second district, the Library and Learning Centre is part of the Vienna University of Economics and Business. It’s the largest university in Europe to focus on these subjects and this new addition definitely makes it stand out.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

It’s open 24 hours a day and it accommodates 23,000 students and 1,5000 staff members. It’s one of the seven buildings which make up the new campus. The 28,000 square meter structure houses a library, an auditorium, several work spaces, offices, a book shop, a series of event spaces and a cafe. The design of the building is futuristic and visually striking.

8. The Serpentine Gallery.

London Aquatics Center4

This is the new extension to the Serpentine Gallery designed by Zaha Hadid. It features an undulating roof with lean lines and a delicate but strong structure. The extension houses a restaurant which curves out from one side.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

The main concept for this project was to use a new material in order to obtain a lightweight and contemporary look. The architect decided to use a glass-fiber textile and to create a free-flowing white canopy supported by five steel columns. This makes the new structure autonomous and allows it to stand out in a very delicate and elegant way.{images by Luke Hayes}.

9. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

London Aquatics Center4

Designed for the Michigan State University, this museum of contemporary art was named after philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad and was designed by zaha Hadid. It has a stainless steel and glass facade which contrasts with the red brickwork of the university.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

The museum houses exhibitions dedicated to modern art, photography and new media and it features double-height galleries. It also has an education wing, a study centre, a cafe, a shop and an outdoor sculpture garden. The museum was not meant to blend in or to share similar characteristics with the university but to stand out like all creations of the architect.{images by Iwan Baan}.

10. The London Aquatics Centre for 2012 Summer Olympics.

London Aquatics Center4

Located in London, the Aquatics Centre was completed in 2011 and it has a very fluid geometry inspired by water in motion. The project area is 15,950 square meters and the design chosen for the building features an undulating roof which sweeps up from the ground just like a wave.

London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4
London Aquatics Center4

It was designed to accommodate 17,500 spectators for the 2012 Olympic Games. The building is situated within the Olympic Park Masterplan and it was planned on an orthogonal axis which is perpendicular to the Stratford City Bridge. It has three pools, all aligned on this axis.{images by  Hélène Binet}.