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Three new Zaha Hadid buildings set to open in 2022

All the buildings feature the futuristic visions, organic curves, and modern design that have become associated with the British-Iraqi architect.

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By House & Garden South Africa | December 2, 2021 | Architecture

Prior to her passing in 2016, Zaha Hadid left behind an array of unfinished buildings.

Among them, include three mammoth projects in the Middle East set to open in 2022. The King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Bee’ah Headquarters in the United Arab Emirates, and the Central Bank of Iraq are all now near completion.

All the buildings feature the futuristic visions, organic curves, and modern design that have become associated with the British-Iraqi architect.

Hadid’s Central Bank of Iraq, which sits on the banks of the Tigris, is a 34-story skyscraper composed of concrete, steel, and glass. The organically-shaped facade is inspired by the angle of the sun and flow of rivers. It resembles a tree growing next to the Tigris. The building’s mullions intertwine like branches and follow the path of the sun to protect the interior from Iraq’s scorching weather.

Image: @DplmtcObserver/Twitter

The architect commissioned a team of engineers, builders and artisans to create the high-tech building.

Meanwhile, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station was built with the aim of being a signature landmark of the city.

The building’s porous sunscreens, undulating arches and columns that bend in dips and waves, are brought alive by the whoosh of moving trains, resembling how the wind shapes the surrounding sand dunes in the Arabian desert. The building is a mix of shopping, dining and work space.

Image: @MandalaySamui/Twitter

Another building resembling sand dunes is the headquarters of environmental and waste company Bee’ah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Hadid and her team of architects used 3D modeling software to mimic patterns in nature. The building emerges from intersecting sand dunes surrounded by palm trees and pools of water. Computer-generated motifs decorate the facade of the building. The building also features Tesla battery packs, a low carbon footprint, solar energy, and LEED Platinum certification.

The architect continues to prove that she is just as renowned post-humorously as she was during her lifetime.

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