My acquaintance with Zaha Hadid’s architecture has happened back in late 2010, in the city of Guangzhou, were a new Guanzhou Opera House was erected in time for the opening of Asian Games.
Guangzhou Opera House, source: instagram.com/the_elevator_guy
To say that I was impressed is to say nothing. You know how you get completely whatthefucked from time to time, especially when you see something completely out of paradigm you’re used to? That’s exactly what has happened to me on that evening.
I myself love architecture, but as it happens with many things I love, I do not always get curious enough to see who the creator of it is. Well, that was one of the times when I needed to know everything.
Living in China has kind of left me in an informational bubble: my income came from not particularly stimulating interpreter and QC officer jobs, I didn’t get to choose my friends either, so instead of hanging out with people I was genuinely interested in, I rather hung out with those I tolerated the easiest. All of that has resulted in me kind of getting behind life. It was good for my studies, anyways. Bottom line: I was not exactly aware of whatever trends and names in the architecture world – the world I once adored and wanted to be a part of.
Galaxy Soho Complex in Beijing, source: instagram.com/the_elevator_guy
Zaha Hadid’s works have influenced the way I used to look at my life. I believe, I realized how many incredible things I’m missing in my bubble, and so I’ve changed a lot. Not that I became an architect(LOL), but my interests got very diversified. I have pretty much started my Instagram because of it.
And let’s face another important fact: Zaha Hadid was one of the most groundbreaking specialists in the field that is historically dominated by men. Not to mention her descent: she was born in Baghdad, Iraq. And yes, it was a vastly different country back then, and yes she was from an upper-middle class family. But imagine how many more girls are out there in the world who could become yet another game-changer in the world of architecture, medicine, physics, tech and so on.
Hong Kong Polytech University Building at Jockey Club, source: instagram.com/the_elevator_guy
Hadid’s example is one of many, but it is rather outstanding. As for me, I will make sure my 2 months old daughter has both doll and Lego blocks in her playroom, because if that’s a chance for her to find her true passion and not pick up whatever the socially accepted norms are dictating, then well, I do not see the problem with girl doing the “ungirly” stuff.