Zaha Hadid Dead At 65: Iraqi-British Architect Died From A Heart Attack

Zaha Hadid, an inspirational and innovative architect, reportedly died on Thursday morning at the age of 65.

According to Newsday, Hadid suffered a heart attack and died in a Miami hospital.

RIP Zaha Hadid https://t.co/9Zl8bqGJSP

— Daphne Alexander (@alexdaphne) March 31, 2016

The New York Daily News reports that the Iraqi-British architect was initially being treated for bronchitis at that particular hospital.

Many architects strive to find a way to blend the worlds of construction and art with their projects — drawing up plans and erecting buildings that can be viewed as artistic masterpieces.

Many people would agree that Zaha Hadid accomplished just that throughout her career.

One of her futuristic and modernist designs that made waves in recent years was the swooping aquatic center that was used for the 2012 London Olympics.

Newsday reports that Zaha left her architectural footprint with buildings all around the world. For instance, she designed funicular railway stations in Innsbruck, Austria. There is also a futuristic condominium building located near the High Line of New York that was designed by Zaha Hadid.

The curved Heydar Aliyev Center located in Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as a BMV facility built in Leipzig, Germany, were also added to her extensive list of completed projects.

Zaha Hadid did not just inspire people with her work — an artistic stamp that will undoubtedly be admired as a captivating masterpiece for many years to come. Zaha also inspired people with her words, leaving a lengthy trail of profound statements and inspirational quotes behind to learn from, live by, and cherish.

Architizer published a small collection of Zaha Hadid’s most memorable quotes on different aspects of her life and her life’s work in March of 2015.

She was very honest about the tedious and time-consuming lifestyle that comes with the territory of being an architect.

“I don’t have any frustrations. If you want an easy life, don’t be an architect. Ask anybody in my office. You have to work all the time. If you want a nine-to-five job and to go home and relax, just don’t do it.”

Zaha Hadid also opened up about why she enjoyed working with the “younger” generation instead of the older.

“I’ll be honest, it’s very difficult explaining things to men. It’s virtually impossible. The older generation in my office think they know everything better than anyone. The younger generation are much more flexible and adaptable.”

Hadid felt that architecture was not necessarily that could be taught. In her own words, “you can only inspire people.” In regards to project budgets, she believed that a project’s overall affordability was essential. Hadid apparently did not hesitate to embrace technology when it came to her design process – branching off from the traditional methods that required her to “start working with a sketch, a model, a painting or a model cross-section.”

Quite a few people have shared their reactions and responses to the tragic death of Zaha Hadid along with tributes to her life on Twitter — including fans, critics and other professionals that have become known over the years for their own artistic eyes.

A groundbreaking architect and inspiring feminist… RIP Zaha Hadid pic.twitter.com/AhsisHQOPA

— ASOS (@ASOS) March 31, 2016

I think of Zaha Hadid as one of the greatest architects of all time. (As opposed to one of the greatest female architects.)

— Touré (@Toure) March 31, 2016

I am sorry to hear that Dame Zaha Hadid has passed away. One of the most beautiful souls I have ever met. pic.twitter.com/CuvgVh5tsA

— Laila Loves (@LailaBlogs) March 31, 2016

“I’m not outside, I’m sort of on the edge. I’m dangling there. I quite like it” – Zaha Hadid

— julia hobsbawm (@juliahobsbawm) March 31, 2016

RIP Zaha Hadid: one of the most brilliant artists of our generation. Chic deconstructivism. The power of imagination. The purity of tech

— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) March 31, 2016

One of her projects that is currently still under construction is the West Chelsea building located at 520 W. 28th Street in New York. The New York Daily News reports that the project, which broke ground last year, will consist of 11 stories and 40 apartments when it’s finished.

Zaha Hadid won the Stirling Prize for architecture, a coveted award in Britain, twice. Hadid made history back in 2004 when she became the first female winner of the Pritzker Prize (an award which is commonly referred to as the “Nobel prize of architecture.”)

According to Newsday, the jury for that particular prize praised Zaha for her “unswerving commitment to modernism and defiance of convention.”

According to the New York Daily News, Hadid also received the Royal Institute of British Architects Gold Medal. Zaha Hadid was born and raised in Baghdad. She studied in London and Beirut.

[Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images]