To examine the innovations shaping 21st century urbanism

The “Cities of the Future” special exhibition aims to explore the innovations that have profoundly affected urbanization in the 21st century. Notable projects and research by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) that have reshaped urban landscapes in many parts of the world are reviewed in this exhibition.

The ‘Future Cities’ monographic exhibition examines the innovations shaping 21st century urbanism and traces Zaha Hadid Architects’ (ZHA) projects that are redefining urban landscapes around the world.

▼Overview, overview  ©Liang Xue

Using interdisciplinary research methods, ZHA has always been at the forefront of the times, bursting out new ideas and concepts in improving industrial design and engineering practice. The exhibition presents these research methods, as well as the spirit of exploration that underlies ZHA’s pioneering architectural design.

Charting ZHA’s multi-disciplinary approach in developing new ideas and concepts to improve how the industry designs and constructs, the exhibition showcases the investigative spirit within their architecture.

▼Exhibition hall entrance, entrance  ©Liang Xue

ZHA is one of the most creative architectural firms in the world – with 40 years of history and more than 70 award-winning projects, as well as 60 projects in development, across six continents. Working hand in hand with forward-thinking clients, communities and industry experts, ZHA has received the highest honors from civic, professional and academic institutions around the world.

In more than 70 award-winning built works to date, and 60 projects currently in development across six continents, ZHA is one of the world’s most consistently inventive architectural studios; collaborating with visionary clients, communities and industry experts worldwide.

▼Exhibition space, display area  ©Liang Xue

▼Exhibition models and details, models and details  ©Liang Xue

Since ZHA’s late founder, Dame Zaha Hadid, first visited China more than 40 years ago, ZHA’s architecture has drawn inspiration and evolved from the organization and structural systems of nature that have shaped traditional Chinese historic architecture.

ZHA’s architecture has evolved from their research into the organic organizational and structural systems of the natural world. These systems are evident within China’s historic architectural traditions explored by the late Zaha Hadid on her first journeys through China more than 40 years ago.

▼ Booth details, details  ©Liang Xue

Combining pioneering digital design methods with eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction, ZHA does not simply break down into different parts, but understands them as a whole, providing practical insights into the key challenges of our time solution.

Marrying pioneering digital design methods with ecologically sound materials and sustainable construction practices, ZHA does not look at the disparate parts, but works to understand them as a whole; delivering practical solutions to the defining challenges of our era.

▼Display of digital design methods ©Liang Xue

In an era where technological advancements are rapidly changing the way we live, work and interact, the creativity and innovative spirit in ZHA’s architecture nurtures countless possibilities and facilitates the flourishing of urban societies.

As technological advancements rapidly change the way we live, work and interact, the spirit of creativity and innovation within ZHA’s architecture is defined by the myriad of possibilities that enable urban societies to flourish.

▼Details  ©Liang Xue

▼Model display, models  ©Liang Xue

▼Multimedia display, multimedia display ©Liang Xue

▼Exhibition scene, exhibition scene  ©Liang Xue

Until 08 May 2022
Future Design Arts Centre
Gongyuan Avenue, Eastern New Area, Chengdu, China
10:00am to 17:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
ZHA Exhibition Team
Exhibition Curation: Zaha Hadid Architects
Principal of Zaha Hadid Architects: Patrik Schumacher
Exhibition Design and Graphics: Zaha Hadid Architects
ZHA Overall Exhibition Design and Curation: Satoshi Ohashi, Manon Janssens, Yang Jingwen, Juan Liu, Di Ding, Nan Jiang, Feifei Fan, Haotian Man, I-Chun Lin, Lianyuan Ye, Meng Zhao, Sanxing Zhao, Shuaiwei Li, Yanran Lu, Ziming He, Ziyan Xu
ZHA Multimedia: Henry Virgin
ZHA Research Teams: ZH VR, ZH Interiors, ZH AI, ZH Social, ZH Sustainability, ZH CODE
Exhibition Organisers
Exhibition Design and Curation: Zaha Hadid Architects
Exhibition Museum: Future Design Art Centre
Exhibition Contractor: Shanghai Tongji Architecture Interior Design & Construction