Zaha Hadid Architects, led by Iraqi-born female architect Zaha Hadid, who designed the Neil Barrett Aoyama store, won the top prize in the International Design Competition for the New National Stadium.
The International Design Competition for the New National Stadium was held with the aim of rebuilding the National Stadium, which was suffering from issues such as a limited capacity and aging, and 46 proposals were submitted from around the world.
Zaha Hadid's proposal features a streamlined design with organically curved beams and membrane covering. The judging committee for the New National Stadium International Design Competition commented that the key to its success was its "overwhelming form, backed by logic. Despite its innovative design, the structure and interior space are beautifully integrated, and the retractable roof, a prerequisite, was also feasible."
Today, the only building in Japan in which Zaha Hadid has been involved is the Neil Barrett Aoyama store in Tokyo's Aoyama district. Zaha Hadid was responsible for the interior design of this boutique, which opened in 2008. This project was her first time designing a store interior.
The shop space is centered around a pair of white fixtures made of Corian artificial marble, reaching up to 3 meters in height at their highest point. These fixtures, which resemble several overlapping curved surfaces, function as display tables and partitions, and, being visible from the outside, also serve as the store's icon. The design was created using 3D modeling software and consists of approximately 50 parts. Neil Barrett described it as "both architecture and sculpture."
In addition to architectural design, Zaha Hadid also designs products and has collaborated with fashion brands, resulting in designs such as Louis Vuitton bags (2011) and Lacoste and Melissa shoes (2009 and 2008, respectively).
Teams will be formed to carry out basic and detailed design for the New National Stadium, with completion targeted for 2019. It has already been decided that the stadium will be the main stadium for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are scheduled to be held in 2020.
