Tributes pour in for Zaha Hadid
Tributes from the world of architecture and beyond have continued to flood in for Dame Zaha Hadid, who passed away yesterday (31 March) at the age of 65.
The loss has shocked the profession, and architects from around the world have been quick to pay their respects to Hadid’s extraordinary life and work.
Speaking to the Guardian, Richard Rogers said: “She was a great architect, a wonderful woman and wonderful person. Among architects emerging in the last few decades, no one had any more impact than she did. She fought her way through as a woman. She was the first woman to win the Pritzker prize.”
Jane Duncan, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, which awarded the 2016 Royal Gold Medal to Hadid in February, said: “This is absolutely terrible news. Dame Zaha Hadid was an inspirational woman, and the kind of architect one can only dream of being.
"Visionary and highly experimental, her legacy despite her young age is formidable. She leaves behind a body of work from buildings to furniture, footwear and cars, that delight and astound people all around the world.”
Lord Norman Foster, speaking to Building Design, said: “I am devastated by the news of the loss of Zaha Hadid and cannot comprehend the enormity of her passing away. I became very close to her as a friend and colleague in parallel with my deep respect for her as an architect of immense stature and global significance.
“I think it was Zaha’s triumph to go beyond the beautiful graphic visions of her sculptural approach to architecture into reality that so upset some of her critics. She was an individual of great courage, conviction and tenacity. It is rare to find these qualities tied to a free creative spirit. That is why her loss is so profound and her example so inspirational.”
Stirling Prize winner Amanda Levete said: “She was an extraordinary role model for women. She was fearless and a trailblazer - her work was brave and radical.”
Hadid held various academic roles – including at Harvard University, Columbia University, Yale University and the University of Applied Arts in Vienna – and many prominent architects studied under her.
Ma Yansong, principal of MAD Architects, said: “As her student 15 years ago, I was inspired and encouraged by her strengths and visions, and she will always continue to inspire both myself and everyone who experiences her work.
“My mentor Zaha Hadid's life was an inspiring story of fighting for independence, equality and respect, while battling for progress and change. She loved and embraced the world with sensitivity and criticality. Many understood her bold determination and unequivocal perspective. Her stunning works captured the world as an optimistic and beautiful place, and enabled architecture to captivate new audiences.”
Ben van Berkel, principal of UNStudio, called her “an enormously influential, inspiring and encouraging tutor.” He said: She was a formidable force and influence within the profession. Her strength and determination were second to none and what she has done for women in architecture will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family, friends and of course, her studio at this incredibly difficult time.”
Hadid had been due to take part in The Pritzker Laureates' Conversation at United Nations Headquarters in New York next week (5 April), joining a panel with 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate Alejandro Aravena and several other winners of the accolade.
Responding to news of her death, the chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury, Lord Peter Palumbo, said: "The world of culture has lost a standard-bearer for the art of architecture. Zaha Hadid fought prejudice all her life with great success. And this, in addition to her genius as an architect, will secure her legacy for all time."
Zaha Hadid tributes architecture design
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