She was a master of organic architecture and the first woman to be awarded the coveted Pritzker Prize, the Nobel Prize of architecture. Today, all over the world, Zaha Hadid's buildings spiral up into the sky, bridge rivers, streets and squares, or nestle into the edge of Russian mountain plateaus. Apparently weightless, her concrete constructions stack layer upon layer of projecting and set-back stories, seamlessly link assembly line production with office work in Leipzig's BMW factory, and transform ski jumps and exhibition halls into studies on dynamics.
Cosmopolitan living in Dubai
One of her last and most remarkable designs is the Opus Tower in Dubai. Whereby the term "Tower“ is not strictly correct: the imaginative building complex seems like a cube that has been hollowed out in the center. The contradiction between the external, perfectly rectangular facade and the organic hollow is what gives the building its unique character.
The futuristic building offers bright offices and, in the upper floors, hotel suites and modern apartments with amazing views of Dubai. The suites and lofts by Zaha Hadid feature a wealth of detail and impressive elegance, which are typical of her interior design projects. Every piece of furniture in the Opus Tower residential units was either designed or selected by her. Design by Philippe Starck and Duravit is to be found in the bathrooms: Starck 1 urinals, Starck 2 toilets and Starck 3 handrinse basins make a clear statement for durable and sustainable design. Large glass elements allow lots of natural light to enter, creating the illusion of extra depth. Rotating and sliding panels create a private space and allow for the individual arrangement of the rooms.