Zaha Hadid (1950–2016) left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and design. In 2004 she became the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Zaha Hadid. Photo by Steve Double.
She established her practice in London in 1980, laying the foundation for a remarkable career.
Guangzhou Opera House. Photo by Chijui Yeh on Unsplash.
Among her most renowned achievements is the Guangzhou Opera House in China, a masterpiece that challenges architectural norms with fluid form that diverges from the typical symmetrical designs of opera houses. Completed in 2010, this building boasts a flowing glass and steel exterior that blends seamlessly with the landscape. Hadid’s design for the MAXXI museum in Rome showcases her avant-garde style. This museum, completed in 2010, is a dynamic structure that redefined the concept of museum architecture, earning her international acclaim. Her distinctive style made an impact in the fashion industry, leading to collaborations with various fashion brands. A prime example of her work is the Mobile Art Pavilion she designed for Chanel, which made waves in Paris. Zaha Hadid Architects, carrying forward Zaha Hadid’s legacy, continues to shape the architectural landscape with cutting-edge designs. Following her passing in 2016, the firm has undertaken such projects as the Leeza SOHO Tower in Beijing with a spiraling atrium, and the Morpheus Hotel in Macau, which features an exoskeleton structure that creates a futuristic appearance, to name a few.
Interior of the MAXXI museum for contemporary arts in Rome, Italy. Photo by Commonurbock23. Creative Commons license.
The Chanel Pavilion. Photo by udono, Creative Commons license.
For over four decades, Paula Scher (born 1948) has been a trailblazer in graphic design.
Paula Scher. Photo by Jake Chessum.
After beginning her career as an art director, she became a partner at Pentagram's New York office in 1991, making her the first woman to join the studio. Paula Scher’s portfolio boasts collaborations with a wide range of clients like Microsoft, Citibank, Tiffany & Co., Coca-Cola, and the Walt Disney Company.
Identity for the Microsoft Windows 8. Paula Scher/Pentagram
Her reputation as a “master conjurer of the instantly familiar” highlights her ability to craft designs that resonate with audiences. One of her standout achievements is the transformation of Microsoft's visual identity, where she played a pivotal role in crafting the company’s modern and dynamic logo. Paula has authored several books, including “Make It Bigger” and “MAPS,” which showcase her design philosophy. Her works are part of permanent collections, including those at the Museum of Modern Art, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and institutions worldwide. Her contributions to design are also featured in “Abstract: The Art of Design,” a Netflix documentary series that profiles leading figures in design.
Identity for the Microsoft Windows 8. Paula Scher/Pentagram.
Graphic campaign for The Public Theater in New York. Paula Scher/Pentagram.