Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku is one of the most important works of Zaha Hadid. Aliyev Cultural Center with the construction area of 101 thousands square-meters was completed in 2012. Azerbaijan government announced a design competition in 2017. Then, the concept design of Zaha Hadid was entitled to be implemented.
The building has get its name from Azerbaijani’s legendary leader Heydar Aliyev. The building is extremely effective in terms of architecture. Such that, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center has already got its location along the cult structures of architecture. All that and then some, it has become one of the most argued about structures of history. Because of its deconstructive altitude, It’s a mystery how to solved its construction.
Some functions which Heydar Aliyev Center has are a concert hall, a conference hall, the museum, art spaces, a library and a cafe. The form of the building refers to the rising of the Caspian Sea. This event is famous in the Azerbaijani mythology. Moreover, the modern and futuristic characteristics of Aliyev Center represents the approach to the future for the Azerbaijan society. In this way, Heydar Aliyev Center has turn into a schene in which the modern and independent stance drawn by Azerbaijani government for the future of Azerbaijanis is exhibited.
Architectural Analysis of Heydar Aliyev Center
The tongue, which the Heydar Aliyev Structure has, is so fluid. It is providing this fluiditon with the structure. The shell covering the building was designed with a space frame system not with the traditional column and beams. By this means, architect Zaha Hadid has reflect her parametric design understanding to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. So that, the free style of the mass imitating sea waves makes itself feel in everywhere from the design of the square to interior spaces. For example, we are able to see this fluidity in the uniqe aura of the auditorium space. Indeed, the place seems to be caught in the flow of the music and suddenly starts to catch a rhythm. In addition, designing the structural system of the building by curved surfaces decreased the needs for carriers in interior spaces. The wide span of 10 thousand-seat auditorium space proves this.
As for the another material used in the structure addition to steels is reinforced concrete. There is a rigid reinforced concrete core in the inner part of space frame system. Again, steel beams and columns are enabling the connection between the shell and this core. Additionally, the concrete used in the building is consolidated with glass wools. Glass wools increase the sound and thermal insulation of the concrete. As a side note, there are reinforcement of glass wools also in the 1.2 thousand cladding materials generating the shell.
Architectural Parameters
The calculating of the steel and cladding materials which are has different dimensions from each other has done with the help of special programs. However, since these cladding materials haven’t standart sizes, It’s possible to say that the shell is quite expensive.
The Heydar Aliyev Center rises maximum 74 meter from the ground. The glazings used in the project have covered with a double-layer reflective film. This decision is for decreasing the sunlight enter the interior spaces. Thus, saving from the cooling energy cost, which is an important problem for our buildings, can made.
Shortly, Heydar Aliyev Center, with its white color identifying modern architecture, fluid form, uncertain transitions among both the interior-exterior spaces and ground-wall surfaces; is the the most clear summary for works of architect Zaha Hadid as a futuristic building.
