Zaha Hadid’s Stage Designs Shine in London Exhibition

The Zaha Hadid Foundation in London is currently hosting its premier collection-based exhibition, focusing exclusively on the legendary architect’s extensive portfolio of stage and set designs. Titled “Zaha Hadid: Architecture of Performance,” the showcase celebrates the grand reopening of the foundation’s Clerkenwell headquarters following an extensive refurbishment by Studio KA. Fans of architecture articles can explore how these newly uncovered archival materials provide fresh insight into the late visionary’s creative process.

Curated thoughtfully by Catherine Howe and Libby Sellers, the exhibition features a diverse range of archival models, intricate drawings, video footage, and striking costumes. These elements beautifully highlight Hadid’s interdisciplinary work across opera, dance, and pop music.

Exploring Interdisciplinary Boundaries

Among the standout exhibits is a 2014 staging of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, characterized by a dynamic, spiralling white platform with adjustable sections. Another remarkable highlight is her 1999 set design for the Pet Shop Boys’ Nightlife World Tour, which utilized reconfigurable ramps and multimedia projection surfaces.

The exhibition also displays digital drawings and a costume for the 1999 “Metapolis” ballet, embodying her signature abstract design language through lightweight bridge structures.

Archival Gems and Early Concepts

Visitors can also examine three unique models from a 1990 Groningen event that showcase a music video pavilion proposal featuring an uncharacteristically bright color palette and angular walkways. These pieces echo historical milestones often celebrated in historical architecture discussions.

The earliest performance project included is “d1” from 1989, which translated an abstract sketch into a monochromatic floor grid for choreographer Rosemary Butcher.

The Evolution of Complex Geometries

Together, these unsung designs illustrate the fascinating evolution of Hadid’s complex geometries and digital techniques.

The exhibition remains open to the public until March 27, 2027, offering a rare look into the limitless archives of the late architect.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Five little-known stage designs from the archives of Zaha Hadid