FX.co ★ Architectural masterpieces of Zaha Hadid

Morpheus Tower (Macau)

This building fascinates with its shapes. The Morpheus Hotel consists of two 40-story towers that are connected in two places: close to the ground and at the roof level. Between them there are empty spaces as well as several sections with restaurants and bars. Twelve glass elevators move between the voids, offering a perfect view of the hotel’s overall architecture. This construction creates the impression of weightlessness.

Daxing International Airport (China)

The amazing Daxing Airport is located in Beijing. This building is designed in the shape of a six-pointed sea star. The foundation of this architectural project is the idea of interaction between remote spaces and the center. At the same time, the six branches of the structure are united with the main hall. The Chinese architectural tradition of building a house around a common inner courtyard inspired Zaha Hadid to create this airport. As a result, six corridors, each 50 meters long, spread across the ground like the rays of a giant sea star. The terminal of Beijing’s airport is considered the largest in the world and in terms of area is second only to Istanbul International Airport.

Galaxy Soho Shopping and Entertainment Complex (China)

Beijing is also home to another architectural masterpiece of Zaha Hadid — the Galaxy Soho shopping and entertainment complex. This structure consists of five rounded sections that sometimes merge into one, sometimes slightly diverge, while being connected by bridges. There are no sharp corners or abrupt transitions. According to experts, the design of the building resembles natural layers of rock. The inner courtyards of Galaxy Soho are designed with traditional Chinese architecture in mind, where open spaces formed an integral part of the house and the adjacent territory.

King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

A special place in Zaha Hadid’s creative heritage belongs to the original structure — the research center in Riyadh. According to specialists, this is a building-game, a peculiar experiment with shapes and imagination. Looking at the façade, some see honeycombs, while others see a spaceship or a crystal. The building was constructed with minimal environmental impact in mind. Thanks to this, the seven-hectare complex, consisting of five blocks, was awarded a LEED Platinum certificate.

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center (Azerbaijan)

Sunny Baku also has a sample of Zaha Hadid’s work — the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. The project is based on flowing forms, traditional Asian patterns, whimsical ornaments, and the absence of straight angles. The façade of the building resembles waves running towards one another. Curvilinear space, fluidity, and smoothness of form are combined here, allowing the building to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. The soft lines of the structure merge with the ground, symbolizing infinity and the connection between past and future. In 2014, the project was awarded the “Design of the Year” prize.

Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein (Germany)

The Vitra building, constructed in 1993 in Germany, is considered one of Zaha Hadid’s first key projects. This building does not fit into the trend of rationalism and functionalism that dominated the 20th century. The structure symbolizes freedom of form and self-expression. The soaring construction, straight lines, and dynamic geometric shapes are, according to experts, a tribute to Russian avant-garde and the works of Kazimir Malevich. It should be noted that in the early stages of her work, Zaha Hadid was inspired by this movement.

Dominion Business Center (Russia)

Moscow is also home to a building designed by Zaha Hadid — the business center on Sharikopodshipnikovskaya Street. This structure looks as if it consists of shifted concrete slabs. Such an architectural form was inspired by the principles of Russian avant-garde. Zaha Hadid paid special attention to the organization of public spaces: balconies with staircases interconnected are brought into the atrium. Their unusual design is emphasized by contrasting finishes.

Messner Mountain Museum (South Tyrol)

The Mountain Museum, the creation of Zaha Hadid, is located at the top of Mount Kronplatz at an altitude of 2,275 meters above sea level. The concept of the design was explained by the legendary architect as follows: “The idea is that first you can descend into the mountain to explore its caves and grottoes, and then exit on the other side to a spacious terrace.” It is from this terrace that breathtaking panoramic views open. The monolithic concrete canopies of the museum resemble rocks and blocks of ice in their form, blending organically into the surrounding landscape. They rise above the ground as if protecting the entrance, giving a special charm to the terrace and the “airy” panoramic windows.