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"If theres one reason for Zaha Hadids exceptionalism its wealth." She was by all accounts from the time, and in retrospect, a star student during her time at A
by triggercut 8y ago
"If theres one reason for Zaha Hadids exceptionalism its wealth."
She was by all accounts from the time, and in retrospect, a star student during her time at Architectural Association. Not just a top student but an exceptional student. She was also fierce in her determination to succeed, something still difficult for a woman at that time in a male dominated industry full of egos. She persevered, and like a lot of women of that time who did, were punished for it.
As well, I've heard plenty of stories about her treatment of staff which is inexcusable behavior, however that's immaterial to her artistic vision and capability.
Her connections certainly helped her career, yes, they always do in business. She wasn't exceptional because of her wealth.
- kobrad 8y agoThis is a bit strange. There are a lot of exceptional people who will not get anywhere because they are poor. So it's nice and all, but don't just say her exceptional wealth has nothing to do with anything.
- twelvechairs 8y agoFirst of all you have to be incredibly wealthy to study at the AA as a foreign student in the first place. I'm not sure where you get your info that she was a star student - by all accounts I know of she struggled at times at the AA, and often didn't get great grades. She was quite headstrong (which is kind of what they teach you) and got on with some people and not with others. There's other great women in the world of Architecture too like Sejima or Carme Pigem (both themselves Pritzker prize winners) who get much less attention by non-architects. And run their practices in a much less exploitative way