the former central bank of iraq designed by danish architects dissing + weitling
photo by thomas hartwell USaid


zaha hadid has been commissioned to design a new headquarters for the central bank in baghdad.
her new design will replace the bank’s previous home, a marble-clad concrete structure designed
by danish architects  dissing + weitling that was attacked by suicide bombers and gunmen on june 13,
killing 14 people and injuring well over 50.

baghdad-born hadid, 59, was approached by the iraqi authorities earlier this year, before the attack,
said roger howie, a spokesman for zaha hadid architects. initial talks about the project were held in
istanbul on aug. 14 in the presence of central bank governor sinan al-shabibi, he said.

her practice has now been asked for 'a feasibility study, brief development and concept design,'
a statement from zaha hadid architects said.

left to right: zaha hadid and baghdad city

via bloomberg