Education & Career
Studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before moving to London in 1972 to study at the Architectural Association School of Architecture.
Early career included time at OMA under Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis. Founded Zaha Hadid Architects in London in 1979.
Gained international attention in 1983 with her entry for Hong Kong’s Peak Competition, pioneering her signature deconstructivist style.
Major Projects
Vitra Fire Station (1993, Weil am Rhein, Germany) – first built commission.
MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts (2010, Rome) – Stirling Prize winner in 2010.
London Aquatics Centre (2011, London) – designed for the 2012 Olympics; a fluid, wave‑inspired architectural landmark.
Guangzhou Opera House (2010, Guangzhou) – inspired by “pebbles in a stream”.
Heydar Aliyev Center (2013, Baku) – another iconic example of her flowing forms.
Also notable: Rosenthal Center (Cincinnati), Riverside Museum (Glasgow), Bergisel Ski Jump (Innsbruck), among others.