Zaha Hadid is not just an ordinary architect; she is a phenomenon that will be immortalized in history books. The legendary British-Iraqi architect was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize for Architecture in 2004, and she is the first and only woman to receive the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Royal Gold Medal, marking her achievements as a turning point in the world of architecture. Hadid is famous for her passion for curved buildings that free architecture from the constraints it often faces. It is noteworthy that her immense legacy of stunning buildings designed over 40 years of her professional life will be celebrated in a new exhibition in London at the famous Harrods store, running until March next year. If you haven't had the chance to visit this exhibition, we present to you five of the most iconic buildings designed by architect Zaha Hadid.
**The Opus, Dubai**
Although Hadid's designs are found all over the world, some can be found in our region. "The Opus" is her first and only design in Dubai and is now considered a local masterpiece. This building is located in the Burj Khalifa area, developed by Omniyat, and opened its doors in early 2019, two years after Zaha's death.
**Roca Gallery, London**
Completed in 2011, the movement of water served as the primary inspiration for the design of this building, which flows like continuous droplets of water, seamlessly merging the building’s exterior with the interior spaces. This building is situated in the Battersea area of southwest London.
**Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan**
This is one of the famous cultural centers designed and implemented by Zaha Hadid in 2012. It was designed to celebrate Azerbaijani culture and is now considered one of the most important buildings in the country, housing a collection of institutes under one roof.
**Investcorp Building, Oxford**
Zaha Hadid’s design for the Oxford building won the International Architecture Award in 2016. The architect received much acclaim for successfully designing a university building that integrates with the surrounding natural environment, while its stainless steel façade is designed in a curved form. The library inside the building overlooks a giant sequoia tree that dates back to ancient times.
**Serpentine Sackler Gallery, London**
The Serpentine Sackler Gallery is the first building designed by Hadid in London. Located in Kensington Gardens in London, this building features an extremely elegant and distinctive contemporary design. It was completed in 2013.
