Interview: Designing for the future
Patrik Schumacher, the principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, talks about his predecessor’s legacy and the ideas behind the firm’s work.
When the architect Zaha Hadid died suddenly in 2016, it was a “moment of shock and uncertainty,” says Patrik Schumacher, who, along with his colleagues at her firm, had the “responsibility of re-creating this firm and continuing this firm. It was a moment which was quite unnerving but we came together.”
Now the principal of Zaha Hadid Architects, Schumacher explains how the firm set about completing the works started by Hadid, including Beijing airport and the 45-storey Leeza Soho skyscraper, also in Beijing, which has the tallest atrium in the world twisting through its centre.
The firm has also taken on several new commissions, and is researching how it can evolve to meet the challenges of environmental change in the future. There are “architectural solutions” says Schumacher, including what he calls “adaptive” and “passive” systems, that can help us look at the future differently.
Watch the video with Patrik Schumacher above. It is part of Designing the World, a new series that explores how design can help find solutions to the world’s problems. Look out for more interviews on BBC Reel and BBC Future.
All interviews took place at Dezeen Day 2019 at the BFI, London.
Head to Dezeen for more architecture and design news and features.
