zaha hadid named UN artist for peace

zaha hadid portrait © designboom

iraqi-born british architect zaha hadid has been named to the roster of artists who use their influence and prestige to promote the ideals of the united nations educational, scientific and cultural organization (UNESCO).

zaha hadid, a winner of the prestigious pritzker prize, will receive her official designation as a UNESCO artist for peace at a ceremony at the agency’s paris headquarters on thursday.

she is being recognized for her efforts to ‘raise public awareness of intercultural dialogue, to promote excellence in design and creativity, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the organization,’ according to UNESCO.

born in baghdad in 1950, zaha hadid graduated in mathematics from the american university of beirut before enrolling at the architectural association school of architecture in london (UK).

among the other eminent personalities that comprise unesco’s artists for peace are haitian author frankétienne, the award-winning philippine madrigal singers, cameroonian musician manu dibango, bangladeshi fashion designer bibi russell, and brazilian musician gilberto gil.

king abdullah II house of culture and art in amman – one of her most recent projects

dongdaemun history and culture park – currently under construction image © designboom

zaha hadid’s aquatic centre at london 2012 olympic games