Evolution

An Arts University Bournemouth exhibition examines the creative processes of Zaha Hadid Architects

Co-curated by Dr Chistian McLening and Zaha Hadid Architects partner Woody Yao, the exhibition ‘Zaha Hadid Architects: Evolution’ at the Arts University Bournemouth venue The Gallery examines a selection of designs to illustrate the practice’s process. Works on show include 3D-printed and handmade models as well as films, sketches, paintings and animations.

Top: Volumetric Study in resin of the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art Cincinatti.
Above: Relief model of the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art Cincinatti

Significant space is given to the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati (2003), selected to demonstrate the ‘traditional’ design approach adopted by ZHA in the 1990s, prior to the introduction of digital design tools and techniques evident in newer projects. This aspect of ZHA’s work is represented by examples of the activities of ZH CoDe (computational design research group), which was founded in 2007 and researches minimal surfaces, curve crease folding, shell structures, developable surfaces and topology optimisation, a mathematical method that optimises material distribution for a given set of loads.

Folded paper model of installation for 2012 Venice Biennale, by ZH CoDe

Other exhibits include models of five of ZHA’s projects, made by students on the Arts University Bournemouth’s modelmaking degree course, including the Sheikh Zayed Bridge (2010) and Danjiang Bridge (ongoing).