Zaha Hadid

Join us for an exploration of the life of architect, artist and icon Zaha Hadid.

‘Queen of the Curve’, the pioneering Iraqi-British architect, left an indelible mark on architecture, capturing imaginations across the globe.

‘Her soaring structures left a mark on skylines and imaginations and in the process re-shaped architecture for the modern age.’ New York Times

Throughout her career Zaha consistently pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in architecture, from the London Aquatics Centre to Guangzhou Opera House. A mathematician turned architect Hadid’s career encompassed design in all its forms, from urban planning to interiors and product design. 

Zaha’s outstanding contribution to architecture and the arts was recognised during her life with numerous awards. She was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004 and the first in her own right to receive the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in recognition of her lifetime’s work in 2015. She received the Stirling Prize in both 2010 and 2011, was appointed CBE in 2002 and made a Dame in 2012 for her services to architecture.  

‘As a woman in architecture you’re always an outsider. It’s OK, I like being on the edge.’  Zaha Hadid

Join us for the story of Zaha, told by Gerhild Orthacker, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects and former student of Zaha Hadid.

Our Speakers

• Gerhild Orthacker, Associate Director, ZHA

About Our Speakers

Gerhild Orthacker, Associate Director ZHA

Gerhild was born and raised in Austria and joined Zaha Hadid Architects in 2007 after finishing her Diploma at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. Gerhild is an Associate Director in Z-Cluster mostly focusing on the design aspects of a project. Z- Cluster is a design team within the practice focusing on design explorations during and after concept design stages and expanding and developing ZHAs creative approach.

She has been a visiting critic in architecture schools in bef Austria (University of Applied Arts) and the UK (The Bartlett School of Architecture, Southbank University).

Recently Gerhild was a key designer for a twin tower office complex with a retail podium currently on site in Hong Kong. Other projects include an installation for the Venice Biennale in 2008, the concert interior for the Bach Pavilion at the Manchester International Festival in 2009, the Roca Showroom in London completed in 2011, Port of Tallinn Masterplan, and a couple of private villa projects and product designs.

Chair: Eleanor Young

The event takes place at Arnolfini, Bristol, BS1 4QA