Women in Design | Zaha Hadid

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, Matisse is honoured to spotlight the late Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect renowned for her groundbreaking and futuristic designs that pushed the boundaries of architecture. Known for her fluid, organic forms and innovative use of materials, she became the first woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004.

Hadid's work defied traditional architectural norms, incorporating bold, curving shapes and creating dynamic, avant-garde spaces that often appeared to be in motion. Some of her most iconic projects include the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan, the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, and the Guangzhou Opera House in China. Zaha Hadid’s legacy as a trailblazer in architecture continues to inspire new generations of designers and architects worldwide. At Matisse, we celebrate her contributions and those of countless other women shaping and inspiring the design world.

Moon System Sofa - With its signature curving profile, the Moon System sofa-sculpture embodies dynamic movement, resembling a single block where the backrest, seat, and armrest flow seamlessly together. The matching ottoman complements the seat's shape, enhancing its sculptural design. A true design statement, the Moon System balances iconic aesthetics with ergonomic comfort. The textile collection features stretch fabrics in various colors and polyurethane-coated covers, emphasizing its sculptural quality.

Aria Pendant Light - Zaha Hadid’s visionary, fluid architecture translates into Aria. Her designs, ranging from the new metallized Gold (50, 60, and 70 cm) to the original shaded black-edged version (Ø90 cm) and ethereal transparent polycarbonate, feature 50 unique “arms” radiating from a central LED source, embodying her iconic style.

Celebrating Women in Design

Zaha Hadid's legacy is defined by her groundbreaking approach to architecture, which revolutionized the way we perceive space, form, and structure. As the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, her work shattered conventions, blending fluid, futuristic shapes with bold, dynamic forms. Known for her iconic buildings like the London Aquatics Centre and the Heydar Aliyev Center, Hadid’s designs pushed the limits of technology and construction, leaving a lasting imprint on both the architecture world and urban landscapes globally.

As International Women's Day 2025 approaches, we invite you to explore these designs and reflect on the enduring legacy of women in design.