Zaha Hadid’s firm thanked supporters for their condolences in a recent press release, and announced they will finish the projects she began. At the time of the visionary architect’s untimely death at age 65, 36 projects in 21 countries were either in development or in the process of being built. Rather than scrap their leader’s hard work, Zaha Hadid Architects will complete them in her stead.
“Zaha trusted everyone to achieve the potential she saw in them, to never stop questioning, to never stop imagining, to realize the fantastic,” the firm said. “Zaha is in the DNA of Zaha Hadid Architects. She continues to drive and inspire us every day, and we work on as Zaha taught us – with curiosity, integrity, passion, and determination.”
Related: Visionary architect Zaha Hadid dies suddenly at age 65
The firm plans to complete four of the 36 projects this year. The Salerno Maritime Terminal in Italy will be finished this month, with the rest of the projects following later this year. The Port House in Antwerp will be complete in September, and projects in Saudi Arabia and London should be done in October and December, respectively.
“We will move forward with our board who have been with the practice for decades to deliver existing and new projects in the future,” said the firm.
Zaha Hadid Architects emphasizes “ecologically sound materials and construction practices” as they utilize architecture to address the challenges of our world. In particular, the Saudi Arabia project is built to house the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, a non-profit addressing energy. The Riyadh Center is being constructed with sustainability in mind, obtaining a LEED Platinum certification. When built, the center will work with the surrounding environment to consume less energy.
Nearly three years ago Hadid won a competition to design a metro station in Saudi Arabia, but we do not yet know if this project is included in the 36 or if it will be completed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Some of Hadid’s product designs were recently presented in Milan, including a table, shelves, and a Swarovski table centerpiece.
The firm said, “Zaha Hadid Architects and the Hadid family deeply appreciate the many heartfelt notes of condolence and tributes to Zaha.”
Via Dezeen
Images via Zaha Hadid Architects and Wikimedia Commons
