Image credit: Iwan Baan
Designing an architectural masterpiece that transcends time and cultural boundaries is no easy feat. However, Zaha Hadid Architects achieved just that with the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. This iconic building represents a departure from the rigid Soviet architecture that once dominated the city, instead embracing the rich heritage and forward-thinking spirit of the Azeri culture.
A Vision of Fluidity and Integration
Located in the heart of Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center seamlessly blends with its surroundings, establishing a harmonious relationship between the plaza and the building's interior. The architectural landscape of undulations, folds, and inflections creates a unique experience that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, urban and natural.
Image credit: Hufton+Crow
Influenced by the fluidity of historical Islamic architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects aimed to capture the essence of non-hierarchical space. The design pays homage to the interconnectedness of architectural elements, seamlessly integrating the building into the surrounding landscape. The terraced landscape, which was a strategic solution to the site's topography, further enhances the building's relationship with its environment.
Pushing Boundaries: Design, Structure, and Materiality
Image credit: Helene Binet
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Heydar Aliyev Center is its architectural skin. Zaha Hadid Architects sought to create a surface that appears homogenous, yet accommodates a range of functions and technical systems. This involved the collaboration of various project participants and advanced computing techniques to ensure the smooth integration of these complexities.
The multifaceted structure of the center combines a concrete frame with a space frame system. By eliminating vertical structural elements, the building achieves column-free spaces that enhance the fluidity of the interior. The exterior cladding materials, Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester (GFRP), were carefully chosen to reflect the design's plasticity and cater to different functional demands.
Image credit: Hufton+Crow
Illuminating the Senses: Day and Night
To further emphasize the seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces, the lighting design of the Heydar Aliyev Center plays a crucial role. During the day, the building's volume reflects light, transforming its appearance with the changing time and perspective. Semi-reflective glass tantalizingly reveals glimpses of the interior, piquing curiosity without giving away the building's fluid trajectory. At night, the lighting design gradually reveals the inner spaces, maintaining the harmony between the interior and exterior.
Image credit: Helene Binet
Engaging the Future with Cultural Significance
The Heydar Aliyev Center's design was meticulously crafted, considering the site's topography and its role within the broader cultural landscape. By embracing the historical context and pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation, Zaha Hadid Architects created a cultural hub that not only celebrates Azeri heritage but also sets the stage for the nation's future.
Image credit: Hufton+Crow
The Heydar Aliyev Center stands as a testament to the power of architectural design to shape the urban fabric and inspire generations to come. Its fluidity, integration, and boldness mark it as a true masterpiece, transcending time and cultural boundaries.
