Dame Zaha Hadid (1950 – 2016).
Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the world’s most renowned architects, died suddenly on Thursday, 31 March, following a heart attack.
Born in Baghdad in 1950, the London-based architect set up Zaha Hadid Architects in 1979, and was responsible for designing several well-known buildings around the world, including the Aquatics Centre for the 2012 London Olympics.
Many in the architecture and property community were shocked and saddened to hear of her death, at only 65 years old.
In a Facebook post, Tom Pritzker, Chairman of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the prestigious Pritzker Architectural Prize, said: “Zaha represented the highest aspirations of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. She combined her vision and intellect with a force of personality that left no room for complacency. She made a real difference.”
Hadid was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004, and also served on the Pritzker Architecture Prize jury in 2012.
Lord Peter Palumbo, who chairs the Pritzker Architecture Prize jury, 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.”
The iconic d’Leedon condo was Zaha Hadid’s first residential project in Singapore. (Photo: CapitaLand)
In Singapore, Hadid was responsible for designing CapitaLand’s d’Leedon condominium at Leedon Heights, which comprises 1,715 luxury units. It was the firm’s first residential project here.
Wen Khai Meng, CEO of CapitaLand Singapore, said: “CapitaLand has always been impressed by the creativity and boldness of her architectural designs, and worked closely with Zaha Hadid Architects to create the landmark residential development d’Leedon in Singapore, which was completed just two years ago.
“We have lost a great architect of our time, but her legacy will endure for generations. Our deepest condolences to Zaha Hadid’s loved ones and colleagues.”
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
