2D Expressionism to 3D Form: An Analysis of Zaha 2011 Hadid’s Architectural Process
C
reativity unfolds itself through releasing a series of unconventional vibes. These vibes are represented in the graphic quality of the architect’s work. The architects style is expressed by the way it reveals itself in the rendering, model, painting, drawing or any other media used. One of the most prominent architects of our times, Zaha Hadid, has stripped the rules of convention to bring about a unique form of architectural expression.
design the space in terms “overlapping fields and lines”.
of
Through representing her concept in the realm of a two dimensional planes with abstract lines and figures, the project unfolds itself into the way it is conceived in three-dimensional reality. The process from which lines she painted on her canvas transformed to the car park actually follow a smooth and logical transformation.
The representation of Hadid’s ideas in her models, paintings, drawings, and renderings, brings out essential qualities of her design. It is through these representational drawings that built structures possess their essential qualities and character. In the process of transforming these lines and representational images into the reality, Zaha Hadid makes her mark in history.
In the car park and station in the city of Strasbourg, program, spatial requirements and the interesting site conditions enabled Zaha Hadid to
A line on paper turns into a light slot, parking line or bench in reality. By representing theses lines in a field condition allows them to be defined under the same parameters even though the lines have different functions. The Tahseen Hussain MS Arch Candidate, B.Arch
1
2D Expressionism to 3D Form: An Analysis of Zaha 2011 Hadid’s Architectural Process parking lines define the area of available parking and these same lines transform themselves into the light slots above the canopy for the station and benches under the canopy. All of the program requirements integrate with one another to create the field condition of the project.
One particular repetitious element in the field condition is a series of poles. In the open car park, these poles become light fixtures so that at night the car park is lit and visible. They also highlight the field condition by having the parking space be defined in a three dimensional space by creating a datum in the open sky. When the poles move under the canopy they transform into structural elements holding up the structure. The constant
repetition of certain elements in this project produces a certain graphic quality on the space which can clearly be understood when studying the drawings for the project. Diagrams of circulation, function, and program all are meshed together to create to form a fluid and dynamic structure. Her conceptual outlook in her drawings enables her to explore a number of unconventional routes in her space studies.
A later project in Weil am Rhein Germany known as Landesgartenchau also shows much of its development and analysis in the unique style of graphic representations by Zaha Hadid. The project can be understood as a series of lines and ribbons being pulled from the ground and being shaped into the Tahseen Hussain MS Arch Candidate, B.Arch
2
2D Expressionism to 3D Form: An Analysis of Zaha 2011 Hadid’s Architectural Process architectural space. The site becomes a very integrated aspect of the design. The lines on the site grow into the ribbons of the design.
In the process of overlapping paths and creating a dynamic geometry, the program is able to integration into a building in a fluid transition of form and space. Instead of the program being contained in the building in a series of planes layering within the building envelope, it actually dissolves into the surrounding area. When looking back at Zaha Hadid’s graphics the renderings never show any conventional plans. By not perceiving and gesture of a floor plate the levels in the structure her project encompasses a vertical fluidity.
In Zaha Hadid’s study models the structure is shown as a series of peeling strips which are part of the site and become intertwined with one another in undulating forms shaping the program and circulation and site conditions together into a unique element. The original ribbons of the site were the paths which were erected up to create ramps and stairs in the design. The circulation was integrated with the original site conditions and used to create derive the rest of the design. This smooth transition allows the landscape to come into the building creating s fluid space, conforming to natural modes of transitions such as a river and canyon.
The project also has a very distinct horizontality evident in the diagrammatic plans and 3d conceptual renderings of Zaha Hadid’s work. Originally picked up from the paths along the site the horizontality in the final built structure not only is expressed in the exterior of the structure Tahseen Hussain MS Arch Candidate, B.Arch
3
2D Expressionism to 3D Form: An Analysis of Zaha 2011 Hadid’s Architectural Process but developed its presence in the interior conditions as well. A series of continuous graphic lines in a drawing become wooden panels along the sides of the horizontal walls. The concept is further emphasized with the lights and shadows of linear schemes which also appear in the interior.
enveloped into the graphic diagram of linear repetition by surrounding the individual’s walking through the space. Zaha Hadid’s two dimensional representations are inscribed in every aspect in the reality of 3d space. Zaha Hadid’s architecture distinguished itself by its dynamic geometry that enables itself to mold and integrate into architectural elements to create the ultimate spatial experience. Hadid exploration of unconventional routes in architecture is a reflection of her abstract graphic representations in the 3-dementional reality.
The horizontality is used as an advantage to bring in the maximum natural light into the building from inbetween the undulating forms and voids in the building. When stripping the abstract linear form the actual architectural space is also clearly defined in her architecture. The light slots and building material as well as the structural elements are all
4
Tahseen Hussain MS Arch Candidate, B.Arch