About Buildings + Cities 67 — Zaha Hadid — 2/4 — The Peak
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Apr 14, 2020 Andrew King, a Principal at Lemay Architects and a Professor at McGill University, shares his unique experiences from the late 1980s at Zaha Hadid's office. He provides a fascinating glimpse into Hadid's innovative design approach while discussing her iconic Peak Leisure Complex proposal in Hong Kong. The conversation delves into the evolution of deconstructivism and architecture's artistic manifestations, shedding light on how Hadid's philosophy redefined spatial relationships and challenged conventional norms, shaping contemporary architecture.
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Peak Paintings Emphasize Abstract Forces
- Zaha Hadid's Peak Leisure Centre paintings emphasize abstract forces more than the building itself.
- These images distort space and perspective, making the building almost secondary to geological and urban dynamics.
Inside Zaha's Late 80s Studio
- Andrew King worked in Zaha Hadid's small late 80s office full of young interns focusing on hand drawings and paintings.
- The studio produced many detailed, large paintings critical for client presentations and gallery exhibitions.
Paintings Funded Early Practice
- Zaha Hadid's income partly came from selling paintings, blending art with architectural practice.
- Her office operated without computers, relying on precise, handcrafted ink on mylar drawings.