Zaha Hadid’s Curving Science Center Is Marked With Big Swooping Arches & Expansive Glazing

Zaha Hadid Architects is building a scientific research center in Uzbekistan. They adopted a low-tech approach to create a comfortable climate. The building is visually appealing, and equipped with a clever passive cooling system that draws inspiration from the traditional local architecture.

The center is named after the 15th-century poet, author, linguist, and statesman Alisher Navoi. Called the Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre, it is marked by big swooping arches and expansive glazing. The form is inspired by the traditional wind-catching towers of  Central Asian and Middle Eastern Architecture, to remove the string from the desert heat.

Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects

The building is equipped with curvy supporting arches, which have been constructed from local bricks. The arches are built as hollow structures with openings that collect wind, and channel air into the building. During summer, the system will be offered support by electric fans and water misting to cool the air before it moves around the building. The hollow arched structures form a chimney effect, which enables the warmer air to escape through the openings at the top of each arch. The warm air rises naturally and escapes, building a pressure difference that pulls in the cooler air from lower levels, promoting ventilation throughout the building.

“These cooling principles are enhanced by the day-night cycle, extracting warmer air while trapping cooler air below,” said Zaha Hadid Architects. “Coupled with the high thermal mass of the center’s structure, optimum conditions of comfort can be maintained with minimal energy consumption. Courtyards and skylights bring natural light into the heart of the center while deep roof overhangs provide its facades with effective solar shading in summer yet permit winter sun into the building to warm the interiors.”

The interior will occupy 23,000 sq m, and will also include the Navoi State Museum of Literature. It also contains research areas, a workshop, and a repository housing a collection of 3,500 historical books and manuscripts. 13 permanent exhibition halls will be placed around a central courtyard, promoting collaboration between literary education, research, and performing arts.

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Passive and traditional Uzbek architecture to be used to create International Research Center

When creating structures in areas that are naturally hot and may have extreme weather conditions, ventilation and cooling systems are major priorities for the architects. It doesn’t always require the latest technology but the really smart and inventive firms are able to incorporate important design principles as well as the local architectural styles.

Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects

Zara Hadid Architects is of course one of the leading and award-winning firms that can do just that. Their design for the Alisher Navoi International Research Center is able to use passive design principles so that the space will use minimum energy corporation but still give its staff and visitors optimal and comfortable conditions. The center will have the Navoi Museum of Literature, a 400-seat auditorium, a residential school for 200 students, and of course the International Research Centre.

The facades and interiors will use bricks that are crafted from Tashkent’s local kilns and using the curvilinear geometries from traditional Uzbek architecture. There will also be several courtyards to bring natural light and ventilation while creating spaces for both group gathering and private contemplation. The arches are designed as hollow structures with openings for cooling ventilation which create a pressure gradient to extract hot air upwards. During hot seasons, it will be supported by fans and misting to cool the air first.

The centre is designed to have interconnected spaces to create dialogue between literary education, research, and the performin arts. The 23,000 square meter is named after Alisher Navoi, a 15th century Uzbek poet, aithor, linguist, and statesman. So it’s but apt to create a space that uses as much traditional aspects as it can.

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Zaha Hadid Designs Revolutionary Hydrogen Refueling Station for Sustainable Boating

Zaha Hadid Architects, renowned for pushing the boundaries of architectural design, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking project in collaboration with NatPowerH—a subsidiary of the NatPower group. The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station is poised to become the world’s first green hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and it’s specifically tailored for Italy’s boating industry. With plans to deploy 100 stations across the Mediterranean in the next six years, this ambitious project aims to address environmental concerns and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from recreational boats.

Designers: Zaha Hadid Architects and NatPower H

At the helm of this initiative is NatPower H, a pioneering global developer of innovative technologies for the production, storage, and distribution of green hydrogen. The €100 million investment will kickstart the installation of the green hydrogen infrastructure in the summer of 2024, with a vision to establish 100 refueling stations throughout the Mediterranean by 2030.

The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station spans 50 square meters and stands out for its commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources. Through a combination of wind, solar, and other sustainable technologies, the station generates hydrogen while emitting only water vapor and warm air—making it a trailblazer in eco-friendly hydrogen production.

Zaha Hadid Architects has designed the NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station with a focus on scalability, sustainability, and safety. The modular nature of the station allows it to adapt to diverse locations across the Mediterranean. This adaptability ensures that each refueling station can be customized based on specific location needs, such as seating arrangements, pedestrian turnover, size, and facilities for bike charging.

In terms of construction, the NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station incorporates innovative 3D robotic material placement. This technology enables the creation of fully recyclable, dry-assembled masonry, minimizing construction waste. The design draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the striated structures and fluid geometries inherent in Mediterranean landscapes and marine ecosystems.

The circular construction of the refueling stations aligns with NatPower H’s commitment to circularity and the preservation of marine ecosystems. Through the use of low-carbon concrete generated through geometric design rather than increased material usage, the structural materials required are reduced by up to 50%, without compromising performance.

NatPower H’s green hydrogen infrastructure aims to revolutionize the recreational boating industry by creating a network of sustainable energy hubs in major Italian marinas. The initiative responds to the increasing demand for sustainable vessels in the face of ecological concerns. The establishment of protected marine areas worldwide, prohibiting the use of diesel engines, underscores the industry’s need for ecologically sustainable developments.

Collaborating with Zaha Hadid Architects, NatPower H ensures that the construction of the green hydrogen refueling stations adheres to the highest safety standards. The partnership leverages Zaha Hadid Architects’ expertise in modular systems and adaptable designs, allowing for customized configurations based on the unique requirements of each location.

In a broader strategic move, NatPower H has also partnered with Bluegame, a renowned yacht builder, to provide green hydrogen for hydrogen-powered chase boats participating in the upcoming 37th America’s Cup. This collaboration exemplifies the potential benefits of establishing and distributing green hydrogen in the rapidly growing sustainable boating market.

The NatPowerH Hydrogen Refueling Station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, represents a landmark project in the transition towards sustainable marine transportation. With its innovative design, commitment to circular construction, and strategic partnerships, this project is set to redefine the future of green hydrogen infrastructure in the recreational boating industry, paving the way for a more eco-friendly and sustainable maritime sector.

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Zaha Hadid Design Brings The Concepts Of Architecture Into Tableware

In a striking display of creativity and functionality, Zaha Hadid Design (ZHD) introduces its latest tableware collections, including the ‘Cell,’ ‘Swirl,’ ‘Prime,’ ‘Hew,’ and ‘Pulse’ series. Crafted meticulously in glass and polished stainless steel, these pieces not only showcase the studio’s commitment to pushing design boundaries but also pay homage to the late architect Zaha Hadid’s distinctive aesthetic, blending organic forms inspired by cellular organisms with cutting-edge technology.

Designer: Zaha Hadid Design

Established in 2006 by the visionary architect Zaha Hadid, ZHD has emerged as a symbol of groundbreaking design across diverse categories. Design directors Woody Yao and Maha Kutay seamlessly carry forward Hadid’s unique design language, involving fluid and futuristic forms, and implementing a methodical approach that integrates the latest technological and material advancements into the studio’s creations. With a portfolio spanning four decades of research, ZHD remains at the forefront of innovation in lighting, furniture, fashion accessories, jewelry, interiors, exhibitions, public art, and set design.

Hew Drinkware

Born out of ZHD’s extensive exploration of erosion and carving concepts, the ‘Hew’ drinkware series is a tactile and visually engaging ensemble. Comprising a highball, tumbler, and carafe, each piece epitomizes the delicate balance between form and function. Meticulously crafted, these elements redefine traditional glassmaking, offering a unique and captivating experience. ‘Hew’ stands as a testament to ZHD’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship.

Cell Collection

The ‘Cell’ collection, fashioned from polished stainless steel, draws inspiration from the intricate beauty of cellular organisms. Evoking a transition from solidity to void through hexagonal and spherical perforations, the collection expands into serverware with the addition of bowls and a centerpiece. Introducing textural parametricism, bringing the essence of architecture into these pieces signifies a moment of transition, expressing the myriad states of change found in nature. Machined with precision by robotic lasers, these stainless-steel marvels not only make a visual statement but are also food-safe, ensuring functionality alongside their aesthetic appeal.

Pulse Series

The Pulse series challenges simplicity with pleated glass, showcasing the complex production process behind each piece. The polished, hand-blown glass reveals subtle variations, providing a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship involved. Vertical channels seamlessly integrated into the glassware offer a tactile experience, emphasizing both vertical and horizontal dynamism. The result is an immersive, sensory journey for users, where smooth and folded surfaces converge in harmonious design.

Swirl Bowl

The ‘Swirl’ small bowl, inspired by the motion of a swirling vortex, is a captivating addition to the series. Retaining the essence of its larger counterpart, this shallow bowl with a polished surface injects dynamism into any setting. Ideal for decorative purposes or serving food, the ‘Swirl’ small bowl exemplifies ZHD’s dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and the creation of timeless design.

Zaha Hadid Design’s latest tableware collections seamlessly blend artistry with functionality, showcasing the studio’s prowess in pushing design boundaries. The ‘Cell,’ ‘Pulse,’ ‘Hew,’ ‘Swirl,’ and ‘Prime’ series are a testament to ZHD’s ability to translate Zaha Hadid’s visionary design language into tangible, awe-inspiring pieces that redefine the art of tableware.

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