Zaha Hadid is one of many on the list of most influential architects of all time. Her name stands out among the rest, because she is one of very few female architects. How did she gain respect in a field dominated by men? She was much more focused on advancing architecture than she was on advancing society.
In 1983, Hadid received international recognition for her design of The Peak, a recreational center in Hong Kong. However, this design never actually came to fruition. She quickly became referred to as “the paper architect,” because many of her designs were too dynamic to actually construct. Although many of her designs remained in her sketchbook, some have become reality, such as the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her work on this project was monumental, as it was the first American Museum designed by a woman. Other notable projects include Burnham Pavilions in Chicago and the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan. Zaha was also the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, Architecture’s highest honor.
Zaha Hadid tragically passed away in 2016 from a heart attack. However, her legacy lives on through her designs. She was instrumental in the modern architecture movement. Her design style is the inspiration for many designs today. I have a feeling she will be making an impact in the world of architecture for many years to come. Her influence does not stop there, however. She paved the way for female architects. She showed that women can do anything men can do. Hadid also inspires many females to not let society’s gender norms stand in the way of their dreams.
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