Top 10 Iconic Buildings by Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid transformed contemporary architecture by challenging conventional ideas of form, gravity, and structure. Her work is instantly recognizable for its fluid geometries, dynamic movement, and sculptural presence, often made possible through advanced computational design techniques. Rejecting rigid orthogonality, Hadid envisioned buildings as landscapes in motion—spaces that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior. The following ten iconic projects highlight how her visionary approach reshaped global architecture and established her legacy as one of the most influential architects of the 21st century.

1. Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku

The Heydar Aliyev Center stands as one of Hadid’s most celebrated works, defined by its sweeping white surface that rises fluidly from the ground. The building rejects traditional angles, creating a continuous form that symbolizes openness and cultural renewal. Its seamless envelope unites roof, walls, and plaza into a single architectural gesture, making it a global reference for expressive parametric design.

2. Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou

Inspired by natural erosion processes, the Guangzhou Opera House is composed of two irregular volumes shaped like river stones. The building’s fractured geometry responds to its riverside context while creating dramatic interior performance spaces. Advanced digital modeling enabled the complex structural system, resulting in a landmark that blends architecture, landscape, and urban movement.

3. MAXXI Museum, Rome

The MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Arts introduced Hadid’s futuristic language into Rome’s historic fabric. Characterized by layered concrete ribbons, the building emphasizes circulation and spatial flow over static gallery boxes. Its interwoven paths and suspended walkways redefine how visitors experience exhibition space, reinforcing Hadid’s interest in movement-driven architecture.

4. London Aquatics Centre, London

Designed for the 2012 Olympic Games, the London Aquatics Centre features an undulating roof that echoes the motion of water. The building combines expressive form with functional clarity, housing Olympic-scale swimming facilities while maintaining a strong civic identity. Its adaptable design allowed post-Olympic transformation, proving Hadid’s ability to balance sculptural ambition with long-term usability.

5. Wangjing SOHO, Beijing

Wangjing SOHO consists of three smooth, flowing towers that reshape Beijing’s business district skyline. The project avoids sharp edges, using continuous curves to guide both pedestrian movement and visual perception. These interconnected forms exemplify Hadid’s approach to high-rise architecture as a dynamic urban system rather than isolated vertical objects.

6. Vitra Fire Station, Weil am Rhein

As Hadid’s first built project, the Vitra Fire Station announced her radical architectural vision. Composed of sharp, angular planes, the building captures a sense of frozen motion and controlled tension. Although more linear than her later works, it remains a key project that established her reputation for pushing conceptual boundaries into built form.

7. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza redefined urban space in Seoul through its continuous metallic surface and flowing geometry. Integrating exhibition spaces, event halls, and public plazas, the project blurs boundaries between architecture and landscape. Its parametric façade system responds to both functional needs and urban connectivity, making it a cultural hub within the city.

8. Phaeno Science Center, Wolfsburg

The Phaeno Science Center appears to hover above the ground on sculptural concrete cones, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation. Its dramatic geometry encourages exploration, aligning perfectly with the building’s educational mission. The interior spaces unfold dynamically, demonstrating Hadid’s ability to translate complex forms into engaging public environments.

9. BMW Central Building, Leipzig

Designed as the heart of BMW’s production facility, this building unites administration, manufacturing, and circulation within a single continuous space. Flowing ramps and bridges connect workers and processes, embodying efficiency through spatial movement. The project showcases Hadid’s capacity to apply her design language to industrial architecture without compromising functionality.

10. Galaxy SOHO, Beijing

Galaxy SOHO consists of four interconnected volumes linked by fluid bridges and courtyards. The absence of corners and the emphasis on smooth transitions create a futuristic urban environment. This large-scale mixed-use project exemplifies Hadid’s vision of architecture as an immersive spatial experience shaped by continuous movement.

Zaha Hadid’s buildings challenge static notions of space, replacing them with fluid systems shaped by motion, technology, and imagination. These ten iconic projects demonstrate how her architecture transcended aesthetics to influence how people move through, interact with, and experience the built environment. Her legacy continues to inspire architects worldwide, proving that bold experimentation can redefine architectural possibility.