Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi-British architect, artist, and designer widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in contemporary architecture. Born in Baghdad in 1950, she studied mathematics before pursuing architecture in London. Known as the “Queen of Curves,” she revolutionized architectural design through her fluid, dynamic, and innovative forms. In 1980, she founded Zaha Hadid Architects, which became one of the world’s leading architecture firms. Her most iconic projects include the London Aquatics Centre, the MAXXI Museum in Rome, and the Guangzhou Opera House. In 2004, she became the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. She was also the first woman to be individually awarded the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects. Through her visionary approach, Hadid transformed traditional architectural geometry and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire architects and designers around the world.