Zaha Hadid. Art and design enthusiasts have likely heard her name. She is the architect in charge of designing the New National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and in 2004 she became the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize. She has worked on numerous architectural projects, including meticulously planned designs, and her unique forms have captivated audiences. While Zaha has had solo exhibitions around the world, her first large-scale exhibition in Japan is the Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery, which began on October 18th. Since founding her own studio in 1980, she has undertaken numerous architectural projects that have left their mark on the history of contemporary architecture. This exhibition showcases a selection of works spanning her early years to the present, reflecting her own personal preferences. The exhibition is presented as a dynamic installation that utilizes the entire exhibition space. The exhibition is divided into four main zones. Zone 1 is comprised of works from her early period, spanning approximately ten years from the 1980s. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Unbuilt," Zaha researched urban features and topography, and her tireless drawings, paintings, and models are inspiring even for those without architectural expertise.

One of the most notable pieces is the sofa she created for the interior design of the Sapporo restaurant "Moonsoon." As it was Zaha's first project to be realized, she felt a strong emotional attachment to it, and it was recreated specifically for this exhibition. The gently curved sofa is equipped with a movable table, allowing for flexible design to accommodate people's movements.

Zone 2 displays projects from the 1990s and 2000s. Her thinking and sensibility are revealed through models and videos of her masterpieces, made possible by advances in 3D analysis and construction technology. Her signature dynamic lines and edgy balance are immediately striking.

Zone 3, featuring design products, models, and video works, highlights the diversity that transcends scale. In particular, the "Field of Jewels" model, exhibited at Zaha's request, is a testament to her commitment to the city. Whether the building is standing or not, she conducts meticulous research, incorporating movement to create forms that create new flow. Her unique perspective and sensibility, combined with her unique designs, have earned her favor with renowned brands known for their modern, artistic designs, including Donna Karan, United Nude, Melissa, and Lacoste. These brands have released flower vases, lighting fixtures, tables, shoes, and accessories. The final zone, "4," features vivid perspective drawings and a model of the much-anticipated New National Stadium. With the Olympics approaching in 2020, how will Tokyo develop as a metropolis? How will the new flow brought about by this building change the city's landscape? The exhibition offers a glimpse into the gradual transformation of the city of "Tokyo" as we approach the near future.
The exhibition design was by Zaha Hadid Architects, and the graphic design was by Nakajima Hideki.
The exhibition, which was realized after two years of preparation since 2012, also provides an opportunity to think about contemporary architecture and design through the figure of Zaha Hadid.
>
>
[Event Information]
Venue: Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery
Address: 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Dates: October 18th to December 23rd
Hours: 11:00 to 19:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
Closed: Mondays (open on December 22nd)
Admission Fee: Adults 1,200 yen, University and High School Students 1,000 yen