Project 3-Research Post-Ben Martinez

Ben Martinez

“Untitled”

Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid was a highly regarded Iraqi-British architect and designer called the “Queen of Curves” who pursued a unique design style in her work. Zaha Hadid herself described her style as on the edge of the establishment, though not fully opposed to it, and says she does her own thing without fitting into any specific style or school. In her own words, Hadid says she avoids using 90 degree angles whenever possible and uses the diagonal line to “re-form” the space. Hadid’s designs featured both prisms with sharp, distinct angles as well as flowing curves with smooth lines. Her work is incredibly expressive and sweeping with multiple perspective points making it engaging from many angles. The fragmented geometry of Hadid’s designs are said to evoke the chaos of modern life. Natural phenomenon also often influence Hadid’s designs, like a nearby vineyard informing a fire station or the form of a wave being mimicked in an aquatic center. Hadid’s style is fluid, expressive, dynamic, and distinct.