... Dame Zaha Hadid, the world-renowned British architect, has died aged 65.

Her practice, Zaha Hadid Architects, has confirmed that Hadid died of a heart attack on Thursday (31 March) in a Miami hospital, where she was being treated for bronchitis.

Hadid, who was one of the most acclaimed figures in world architecture, became the first woman to be awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. She was also awarded the 2016 Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) – becoming the first woman to win the prestigious honour in her own right.

The Iraqi-born, London-based architect first came to prominence in 1993 with her striking design for the Vitra Fire Station in Weil Am Rhein, Germany. But it has been her work in the leisure sphere which has brought her biggest triumphs, such as the MAXXI: Italian National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome (2009), the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games (2011) and the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku (2013).

Hadid's free-form buildings with striking sinuous curves became a trademark of her work, however the architect insisted that design should first and foremost contribute to society and enhance wellbeing.

Speaking during her RIBA Royal Gold Medal lecture in London last month, Hadid said that unlike artists, architects have a duty to the community's wellbeing and should not dwell on “contemplation, expression or provocation” in their work.

“For me there was never any doubt that architecture must contribute to society’s progress and ultimately to our individual and collective wellbeing,” she said. “It performs and facilitates everyday life.”

The architecture community have reacted with shock and sadness to the news and paid tribute to her extraordinary talent.

Devastated by the loss of a great architect & colleague today. Her spirit will live on in her work and studio. Our hearts go out. #zahahadid
— Studio Libeskind (@DanielLibeskind) March 31, 2016