HKDI gallery explores zaha hadid architects’ vertical urbanism in on-line exhibition

HKDI gallery opens zaha hadid architects: vertical urbanism exhibition online

 

the fluid, explosive, boundless innovations of zaha hadid architects have elevated architecture to new heights. in the hong kong design institute (HKDI) ‘zaha hadid architects: vertical urbanism’ exhibition, this saying takes a more literal meaning. it showcases the studio’s ground-breaking work in urban high-rise developments, shifting the norms of this typology both in principle and practice. famed, recently completed and under development projects are shown through a variety of documentation tools, ranging from technical drawings and diagrams, computer-generated visualizations and architectural models to video projections and virtual reality experiences.

 

held at HKDI gallery, the exhibition is open virtually (here).

thallus, installation, 2017, sculpture developed by ZHA CODE with ZHD in collaboration with aibuild, odico formwork robotics, armadillo engineering

all images courtesy of HKDI gallery

 

 

ZHA’s exploration of tower typologies

 

HKDI gallery’s ‘zaha hadid architects: vertical urbanism’ exhibition displays a range of approaches from ZHA in the development of vibrant, sustainable community-oriented spaces within urban conditions. it is a highly visual exploration of the practice’s ongoing research and development within this typology of architecture. the exhibition is thematically structured around three aspects of their work: expounding on the research of ZHA’s computation & design research group (ZHA CODE); exploring the studio’s designs for towers in cities around the world; and showcasing ZHA’s seminal projects in the region.

 

 

‘we are excited to collaborate with ZHA and present the ‘zaha hadid architects: vertical urbanism’ exhibition as part of HKDI’s interdisciplinary program,’ says dr lay lian ong, principal of HKDI & IVE (lee wai lee). ‘zaha hadid was a radical innovator who has left an imprint on modern architecture and design that will endure for many years to come. this exhibition celebrates the ingenuity of ZHA, showcasing the depth of experience of one of the most renowned architecture firms in the world. we hope that this exhibition will provide insight for students and the public alike into the stunning vision of one of the most important architects of our time.’ 

 

 

on entering the gallery, visitors are welcomed by zaha hadid’s peak project in hong kong – claimed, by many, to be the architect’s breakthrough work. though never built, the design offered a first glimpse into the concepts of ZHA, from the experimentation on structures that push traditional boundaries to floating fluid forms as well as the integration of public spaces within dense urban environments. two award-winning projects are also showcased as regional highlights from ZHA: the morpheus hotel at city of dreams macau, opened in 2018, introduces the world’s first free-form high-rise exo-skeleton, as the 40-storey building’s two internal vertical circulation cores connect at podium and roof levels to define a central atrium; and constructing the henderson tower in central hong kong, which conceptualizes a 36-storey urban oasis that bridges nature from its adjacent public gardens into its generous communal spaces.