Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid was born in 1950 in Baghdad, Iraq. Zaha Hadid's background is described as Iraqi; emigrated to London in her twenties. Growing up, the family was affluent — her father was a Baghdad industrialist and co-founder of a liberal political party. Called a “paper architect” for a decade of unbuilt designs; became the first woman to win the Pritzker.

Born

1950 · Baghdad, Iraq

Roots

Iraqi; emigrated to London in her twenties

Family

Affluent

Her father was a Baghdad industrialist and co-founder of a liberal political party.

Education

Mathematics at the American University of Beirut → Architectural Association, London

Started with

Family wealth

An affluent, cosmopolitan upbringing funded her education in Beirut and London.

Affiliations & societies

None documented.

Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.

The pathway

1. 1979 · age 29
   Opens her own practice

   In London, after teaching at the Architectural Association.

2. 1983 · age 32
   Wins The Peak competition

   The Hong Kong project is never built — the first of many acclaimed unbuilt designs.

3. 1993 · age 42
   First completed building

   The Vitra Fire Station in Germany.

4. 1994 · age 43
   Cardiff Bay Opera House

   Wins the competition twice; the project is blocked anyway.

5. 2004 · age 53
   Pritzker Prize

   The first woman to receive architecture's highest award.

6. 2012 · age 61
   Heydar Aliyev Center

   The Baku building becomes her signature curve-form work.

7. 2016 · age 65
   Dies at 65

   The first woman awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in her own right, weeks before her death.