Zaha Hadid has left an indelible mark on architecture and design. Her approach undoubtedly redefined possibilities in architecture, merging art, nature, and technology. Today, her legacy lives on in&nbsp;Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) company,continuing to push boundaries with innovative projects worldwide, underpinned by connectivity, sustainability, and haute design values. In our interview, ZHA shares insights into the ethos that shaped its iconic works and the company's ongoing projects and opens up its vision for the future.

Reflecting on Zaha Hadid Architects' inception, can you tell us about Ms. Hadid's personality and unique style that shaped her groundbreaking designs and the company's vision?
ZHA: As the founder of our firm, Zaha was extraordinary in opening new worlds of possibilities within design while persevering through decades of challenges and critics who didn't believe her vision was feasible. Valuing collaboration, she was an incisive mentor and continues to inspire generations of designers, many of whom are still a core part of our practice today. Her open-minded perception of the world meant that she instilled a way of working where creative ideas traverse architecture, art, design, fashion, and nature. She was driven by a perpetual curiosity about the urban fabric of cities, seeing them as layered collages of histories, influences, and cultures.
What elements collectively define Zaha Hadid Architects' distinctive approach and continue to influence your work today?
ZHA: Our approach is rooted in the belief that architecture carries an inherent sense of vitality and optimism, with the power to connect communities and shape their futures. This philosophy emphasizes connectivity across city, building, and interior scales. We create spaces that link people, balance visual awareness and privacy, and design intuitively navigable environments reflecting modern life's dynamic nature. An example is our project in Prague, the Masaryčka building, which integrates modern office spaces with civic areas and provides new pedestrian routes, enhancing accessibility to the railway platforms.
We also drive our work with a sense of urban responsibility, promoting diverse cultures within cities. This is underpinned by curiosity that fuels experimentation and innovation. Sustainable design, building performance, and contextual responsiveness are key considerations in our work, ensuring our buildings are environmentally conscious and enduring and catalysts for positive social impact.

Zaha Hadid Architects is renowned for material experimentation. How do you push the boundaries of building technologies with new and unconventional materials?
ZHA: Our projects become catalysts for advancements in materials and construction methods. Take, for instance, "The Henderson" in Hong Kong. This tower replaces a multi-storey car park, creating an urban oasis with an organic glass fa&ccedil;ade that achieves LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum pre-certification. The design incorporates contactless pathways, AI-assisted lift controls, and advanced ventilation systems that automatically adjust indoor air temperature and air quality​.
We achieve innovation by fostering collaborations with engineering, fabrication, and construction experts, pairing established techniques with cutting-edge technologies. For example, in our Rail Baltica &Uuml;lemiste Passenger Terminal project in Tallinn, Estonia, we developed modular structural systems built in phases to enable ongoing rail operations, meeting BREEAM benchmarks for sustainability​. Our approach allows us to evolve methodologies continuously, developing projects that push design boundaries and redefine the industry.

How do you envision the role of design and architecture evolving in 100 years?
ZHA: Design and architecture will always&nbsp;retain a critical role&nbsp;in synthesizing value and providing solutions for ever-changing needs worldwide. Designers' responsibilities and expectations will increase as knowledge accumulates, yet the tools will evolve to become more powerful and intelligent. How we communicate, collaborate, and ideate may transform in ways we cannot imagine.
However, looking across the timespan of human civilizations, a century is a relatively small unit of time. The fundamental needs for thriving communities and an architecture that serves society well will always remain central.
From groundbreaking material experimentation to a profound commitment to connectivity and sustainability, ZHA remains a pioneering force in the industry. With their current projects pushing the limits of innovation, it's clear that ZHA's vision will continue to shape architecture for generations to come.

The Henderson, Hong Kong: Completing in 2025, this 36-story tower creates a new civic space with innovative features like a smart management system, Sky Garden, and aquaponics planting network. Its design aims to achieve optimal thermal performance and is built to withstand the region's powerful typhoons​.

&Uuml;lemiste Passenger Terminal, Tallinn, Estonia: Opening in 2028, this multi-modal transport hub serves as the northern terminus for the new 870km Rail Baltica electrified railway. It connects districts currently separated by railway tracks and integrates with the city's bus, tram, rail, and cycle networks​.

Masaryčka Building, Prague, Czechia: Defined by circulation routes and accessibility, the building redefines connectivity within the city while maintaining environmental consciousness with LEED Platinum targets. The structure is integrated with the Masaryk Railway Station, creating an accessible multi-modal transport hub​.

Each of these projects reflects our drive for sustainability, functionality, and innovation. We aim to integrate buildings with their environment, local culture, and modern-day demands. Zaha Hadid Architects

Building Beyond Boundaries: The Visionary World of Zaha Hadid Architects

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