Workshop - Hybrids & Hyperdimensional Objects

During the mid-1990s into the early 2000s, Zaha Hadid’s architecture design techniques evolved dynamically and transitioned from analogue paintings, drawings and models to the use of the digital, including complex three-dimensional volumes.  Her early elaborate techniques of projective distortion – used as device to show a multitude of elements in one view – were often seen to set precedent for computer-based techniques, including the deformation and the modelling of fields.  

In the current exhibition , reliefs models constructed of cut and folded white paper, card and foamcore, represent a hybrid technique that mutates objects from drawing to sculpture, and from sculpture to structure. The models frequently become instrumental prompts for the increasingly conceptual connections between floors and landscape, enhancing and complementing Hadid’s strategy to increase the ground permeability and surface continuity. This is evident in horizontal projects like MAXXI, in vertical projects like CAC, and stretched morphologies like the Museum of Islamic Art. In the quest for a new media, certain ground manipulations like excavation, cutting, peeling and tilting, as well as complex stratifications and smoothed fragmented fields of forces, reveal ‘in-between’ processes and hyper dimensionality.  

This workshop seeks to discuss novel approaches to architectural design, making and researching, that dissolve and expand analogue-digital divides. The topics discussed during this workshop might include subjects like notions of craft and digital craft; imagination beyond tools and tools for imagination; the pre-digital or proto-digital pedigree (focusing on retro CAD or emerging techniques of form-giving such as ‘’trace and loft’’); generative components, morphing, reprogrammable manipulators, aesthetic assemblages, topology deformations and AI diffusion models, as well as alternative ‘’translations’’ and digital evolutions (like ‘’void modellers’’ and ‘’shape grammars’’ software). 

Speakers to be announced. 

Venue information

Entry to the building: Access to the site and building is via the black metal gate facing onto the street. If this gate is closed, please use the intercom to the right of the gate and wait for a reply. The door will then open automatically.

Accessibility: Our building is step free and wheelchair accessible. There is a 7cm step from the street to our main entry gate. Please contact us in advance if you require the use our step-free alternative entry gate. We have accessible and gender-neutral toilets. Assistance dogs welcome.

Filming: Commerical photography, the use of tripods and private filming is not permitted. ZHF will be taking photographs of the event, please inform staff on the day if you do not wish to be included in any photographs.

Host or Publisher Zaha Hadid Foundation