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Tributes pour in for Zaha Hadid
POSTED 01 Apr 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Architects from around the world have paid their respects to the life and work of Zaha Hadid Credit: Mary McCartney
Architects from around the world have paid their respects to the life and work of Zaha Hadid Credit: Mary McCartney
Tributes from the world of architecture and beyond have continued to flood in for Dame Zaha Hadid, who passed away yesterday (31 March) at the age of 65.

Hadid, one of the leading architects of her generation, suffered a heart attack in hospital in Miami while being treated for bronchitis.

The loss has shocked the profession, and architects from around the world have been quick to pay their respects to Hadid’s extraordinary life and work.

Speaking to the Guardian, Richard Rogers said: “She was a great architect, a wonderful woman and wonderful person. Among architects emerging in the last few decades, no one had any more impact than she did. She fought her way through as a woman. She was the first woman to win the Pritzker prize.”

Jane Duncan, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, which awarded the 2016 Royal Gold Medal to Hadid in February, said: “This is absolutely terrible news. Dame Zaha Hadid was an inspirational woman, and the kind of architect one can only dream of being.

"Visionary and highly experimental, her legacy despite her young age is formidable. She leaves behind a body of work from buildings to furniture, footwear and cars, that delight and astound people all around the world.”

Lord Norman Foster, speaking to Building Design, said: “I am devastated by the news of the loss of Zaha Hadid and cannot comprehend the enormity of her passing away. I became very close to her as a friend and colleague in parallel with my deep respect for her as an architect of immense stature and global significance.

“I think it was Zaha’s triumph to go beyond the beautiful graphic visions of her sculptural approach to architecture into reality that so upset some of her critics. She was an individual of great courage, conviction and tenacity. It is rare to find these qualities tied to a free creative spirit. That is why her loss is so profound and her example so inspirational.”

Stirling Prize winner Amanda Levete said: “She was an extraordinary role model for women. She was fearless and a trailblazer - her work was brave and radical.”

Hadid held various academic roles – including at Harvard University, Columbia University, Yale University and the University of Applied Arts in Vienna – and many prominent architects studied under her.

Ma Yansong, principal of MAD Architects, said: “As her student 15 years ago, I was inspired and encouraged by her strengths and visions, and she will always continue to inspire both myself and everyone who experiences her work.

“My mentor Zaha Hadid's life was an inspiring story of fighting for independence, equality and respect, while battling for progress and change. She loved and embraced the world with sensitivity and criticality. Many understood her bold determination and unequivocal perspective. Her stunning works captured the world as an optimistic and beautiful place, and enabled architecture to captivate new audiences.”

Ben van Berkel, principal of UNStudio, called her “an enormously influential, inspiring and encouraging tutor.” He said: She was a formidable force and influence within the profession. Her strength and determination were second to none and what she has done for women in architecture will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family, friends and of course, her studio at this incredibly difficult time.”

Hadid had been due to take part in The Pritzker Laureates' Conversation at United Nations Headquarters in New York next week (5 April), joining a panel with 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate Alejandro Aravena and several other winners of the accolade.

Responding to news of her death, the chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury, Lord Peter Palumbo, said: "The world of culture has lost a standard-bearer for the art of architecture. Zaha Hadid fought prejudice all her life with great success. And this, in addition to her genius as an architect, will secure her legacy for all time."
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NEWS
Tributes pour in for Zaha Hadid
POSTED 01 Apr 2016 . BY Kim Megson
Architects from around the world have paid their respects to the life and work of Zaha Hadid Credit: Mary McCartney
Architects from around the world have paid their respects to the life and work of Zaha Hadid Credit: Mary McCartney
Tributes from the world of architecture and beyond have continued to flood in for Dame Zaha Hadid, who passed away yesterday (31 March) at the age of 65.

Hadid, one of the leading architects of her generation, suffered a heart attack in hospital in Miami while being treated for bronchitis.

The loss has shocked the profession, and architects from around the world have been quick to pay their respects to Hadid’s extraordinary life and work.

Speaking to the Guardian, Richard Rogers said: “She was a great architect, a wonderful woman and wonderful person. Among architects emerging in the last few decades, no one had any more impact than she did. She fought her way through as a woman. She was the first woman to win the Pritzker prize.”

Jane Duncan, the president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, which awarded the 2016 Royal Gold Medal to Hadid in February, said: “This is absolutely terrible news. Dame Zaha Hadid was an inspirational woman, and the kind of architect one can only dream of being.

"Visionary and highly experimental, her legacy despite her young age is formidable. She leaves behind a body of work from buildings to furniture, footwear and cars, that delight and astound people all around the world.”

Lord Norman Foster, speaking to Building Design, said: “I am devastated by the news of the loss of Zaha Hadid and cannot comprehend the enormity of her passing away. I became very close to her as a friend and colleague in parallel with my deep respect for her as an architect of immense stature and global significance.

“I think it was Zaha’s triumph to go beyond the beautiful graphic visions of her sculptural approach to architecture into reality that so upset some of her critics. She was an individual of great courage, conviction and tenacity. It is rare to find these qualities tied to a free creative spirit. That is why her loss is so profound and her example so inspirational.”

Stirling Prize winner Amanda Levete said: “She was an extraordinary role model for women. She was fearless and a trailblazer - her work was brave and radical.”

Hadid held various academic roles – including at Harvard University, Columbia University, Yale University and the University of Applied Arts in Vienna – and many prominent architects studied under her.

Ma Yansong, principal of MAD Architects, said: “As her student 15 years ago, I was inspired and encouraged by her strengths and visions, and she will always continue to inspire both myself and everyone who experiences her work.

“My mentor Zaha Hadid's life was an inspiring story of fighting for independence, equality and respect, while battling for progress and change. She loved and embraced the world with sensitivity and criticality. Many understood her bold determination and unequivocal perspective. Her stunning works captured the world as an optimistic and beautiful place, and enabled architecture to captivate new audiences.”

Ben van Berkel, principal of UNStudio, called her “an enormously influential, inspiring and encouraging tutor.” He said: She was a formidable force and influence within the profession. Her strength and determination were second to none and what she has done for women in architecture will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family, friends and of course, her studio at this incredibly difficult time.”

Hadid had been due to take part in The Pritzker Laureates' Conversation at United Nations Headquarters in New York next week (5 April), joining a panel with 2016 Pritzker Prize Laureate Alejandro Aravena and several other winners of the accolade.

Responding to news of her death, the chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize Jury, Lord Peter Palumbo, said: "The world of culture has lost a standard-bearer for the art of architecture. Zaha Hadid fought prejudice all her life with great success. And this, in addition to her genius as an architect, will secure her legacy for all time."
RELATED STORIES
Pioneering architect Zaha Hadid dies, aged 65


Dame Zaha Hadid, the world-renowned British architect, has died aged 65 according to reports.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
Clip 'n Climb

Clip ‘n Climb currently offers facility owners and investors more than 40 colourful and unique Cha [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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