Which cultural center in Baku, Azerbaijan, was designed by Zaha Hadid?

Zaha Hadid designed the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The cultural complex was named for Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s former president, and was conceived as a major venue for exhibitions, conferences and cultural programs. Hadid was appointed design architect in 2007 after an international competition.

The centre is known for its sweeping white curves, which appear to rise from and fold into the surrounding landscape. Instead of separating the building into rigid boxes, the design wraps its auditorium, gallery hall and museum within one continuous fluid surface. This approach became one of the clearest examples of Hadid’s signature architectural language.

The centre held its official soft opening on 10 May 2012. In 2014, its design won the Design Museum’s Design of the Year award, making Hadid the first woman to win that competition’s top prize. It is distinct from Baku’s Flame Towers and Baku Crystal Hall, which are separate landmarks and projects.