Photograph of Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid, photographed by Simone Cecchetti.

Cooper Hewitt mourns the loss of Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect and designer whose dynamically shaped, sculptural buildings and conceptual projects have given life to thought-provoking forms and discussions. Winner of the Pritzker Prize in 2004, she opened new terrain as a woman designing in all parts of the globe. From China to Baku, Rome to London, and on to New York where her design for a residential building on the High Line will be completed this year, her structures embrace the earth and the sky. She also extended her forms to objects, from seating to tableware.

Characteristic of Hadid’s sinuous, fluid design, which departs from traditional forms, is a set of stainless steel flatware in Cooper Hewitt’s collection. An extension of her interest in industrial design, the aerodynamic quality of these table objects is part of a total aesthetic visible throughout her work and imparts a sense of motion. Although the pieces curve in different directions and to different degrees, when placed together the five pieces make the place setting a unique, flowing composition. Hadid designed other domestic items, such as furniture, door handles, and faucets, all of which reflect the extravagant lines seen in this flatware, part of her all-encompassing approach, whether for the design of a building or interior fitting.

2 thoughts on “In Memoriam

Thank for this lovely tribute to her life. I posted it on my FB page as well for all to see and learn.

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