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Zaha Hadid's Milestones
Birth
Zaha Hadid was born in Baghdad, Iraq, to Mohammed Hadid, a wealthy industrialist and politician, and Wajiha al-Sabunji, an artist.
Early education in Iraq
Attended progressive schools in Baghdad; childhood trips to ancient Sumerian sites sparked her interest in architecture.
Boarding schools in Europe
Attended boarding schools in England and Switzerland.
Attended American University of Beirut
Studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut.
Moved to London for architecture
Moved to London to study at the Architectural Association School of Architecture.
Architectural Association School
Studied architecture under Rem Koolhaas, Elia Zenghelis, and Bernard Tschumi; graduated with a thesis inspired by Kazimir Malevich.
Worked at OMA Rotterdam
Worked at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture with Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis in the Netherlands.
Founded Zaha Hadid Architects
Founded her own architectural firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, in London.
Early teaching career
Taught at the Architectural Association, Harvard, Cambridge, Chicago, Hamburg, Illinois, and Columbia; known for radical and imaginative designs.
International recognition
Featured in MoMA's 'Deconstructivism in Architecture' exhibition, establishing her global reputation.
First major commission
Completed the Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein, Germany, her first major built project.
Notable early projects
Completed Bergisel Ski Jump (Innsbruck), Contemporary Arts Center (Cincinnati), Spittelau Viaducts Housing (Vienna), Phaeno Science Center (Wolfsburg), BMW Administration Building (Leipzig), Ordrupgaard Museum extension (Copenhagen).
Awards and honors
Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE, 2012), won Stirling Prize (2010, 2011), Praemium Imperiale (2009), Royal Gold Medal (2015), and numerous international awards.
Pritzker Prize
Became the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest honor in architecture.
Major projects
Completed Bridge Pavilion (Zaragoza), Sheikh Zayed Bridge (Abu Dhabi), MAXXI Museum (Rome), Guangzhou Opera House (China), Riverside Museum (Glasgow), CMA CGM Tower (Marseille), Broad Art Museum (Michigan), and others.
London Aquatics Centre
Designed the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, acclaimed for its sweeping roof and innovative structure.
Heydar Aliyev Center
Completed the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, praised for its fluid form and engineering innovation.
Death
Died of a heart attack in Miami, Florida, at age 65; buried in Brookwood Cemetery, England.