In a region where the archtecture was strongly influenced by the former Soviet Union’s Modernist style, the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, is now the darling of the architectural world with the new Heydar Aliyev Center. Renouned architech, Zaha Hadid, won the rights to design this structure in 2007 and the center was complete and opened to the public in September of 2013. To stay within the character of historic Islamic architecture, Zaha Hadid brought in fluidity and curves so that the building blends into the current structure and cityscape. The surrounding plaza played a big part in the building’s design, as well as its relationship to the revolutionary interior.
As a building meant to be the primary spot of the nation’s cultural events, we couldn’t think of a more fitting structure to portray the optimism of the Azeri people as they look toward the future. The 1,000-seat auditorium is lined with ribbon-like stretches of oak and the one-million-plus square feet of interior space is made more striking with a space frame system which eliminates the need for columns; thus, the visitors can experience the fluidity of the space. We hope to get a chance to see this masterpiece soon!
To plan your visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center, please visit this site for additional information.
This 1,000- seat auditorium by Zaha Hadid is made of oak cut into ribbons.
Image courtesy of: Arch Daily. Photographed by: Helene Binet
Exterior of Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbajan (completed in 2013).
Image courtesy of: Deezen
The Heydar Aliyeve Center‘s exterior and plaza. The undulating form is a series of thickened and graduated curves that allow natural light into the building.
Image courtesy of: Design Boom