Heydar Aliyev Centre- A Futuristic Symbol

What is Heydar Aliyev Centre?

The building complex designed by renowned architectural firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, is located in Baku, Azerbaijan. The design is praised for its fluid, curved style making it distinctive. The construction of the building started in 2007 and the complex had the open ceremony in 2012. It was named after Heydar Aliyev, the first secretory of soviet Azerbaijan and was the president of the country from 1969 to 1982.

The complex has a central conference hall, exhibition spaces and a museum. The complex is designed in a way that all the halls, entrances and the other components are represented by a single continuous folded surface. This form connects the various spaces and at same time provides each element with its privacy. The country is split between Asia and Europe so it has both eastern and western design elements, so it has been specifically designed keeping in mind the context of the city.

Features of the building

Heydar Aliyev Centre is an internationally recognized landmark of Baku because of its innovative, modern and edgy design. The authorities maintain close ties with many international agencies, museum and exhibition centers. It has organized many grand level international events.

The structure has eight floor levels, workshops, museum, exhibition spaces and the central auditorium accommodates 1000- seats. The building features a mini Azerbaijan exhibition that tells about history and architecture of the country. The area surrounded around the center consists a series of pools, waterfalls and triangular shaped structures.

Importance in Architecture

The colors used in interior are kept as light as possible which gives you ultra-modern feeling. The complex is believed to play a vital role in refining the capital’s image and shape the country’s cultural future.

The building has been nominated for many awards at world architecture festival and made Zaha Hadid, the first female to receive top category price in the competition.

Know more about Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid is a renowned British- Iraqi Architect. She is the first woman honoured with Pritzker prize. She is often referred as the queen of curves as her designes denies the Architectural geometry and are mainly based on curves. She has been honoured with many prestigious awards. In 2012, the was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for her work in Architecture. Her famous projects include'The Aquatic Centre' a stadium located in London, Michigan State University's Board Art Museumin the united States, the Maxxi Museumin Rome and several large scale projects at China. Several of her buildings were still under construction at the time of her death in which some major projects include an airport, museum etc.