Zaha’s Heydar Aliyev Center on Fire

Zaha Hadid’s recently-opened Heydar Aliyev Center in caught fire today. Flames started in the ceiling and, according to the Emergency Situations Ministry and Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office, were successfully prevented from spreading throughout the inner parts of the museum. Thankfully, no one has been hurt.

It hasn’t been long since the architecture world was sadden by a fire that caused extensive damage to Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation in Marseilles.

Reference: Today.AZ

Sports Concert Complex / gmp Architekten + Collaborators

Courtesy of gmp Architekten

The challenging task of designing for the Eurovision Song Contest this year was undertaken by combining the efforts of gmp Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner, Alpine Bau Deutschland AG, and Nüssli International AG. Taking place in ’s capital at Crystal Hall, the aim was to create and implement a multipurpose event-venue that is meant to accommodate 25,000 spectators.The characteristic crystalline shape of the building and its illuminated façade is the response to ’s special request for the creation of a widely visible and visually effective landmark as a bridge between Asia and Europe that will be noticed in an international context. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Heydar Aliyev International Airport / RSA Design Group

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The existing airport in currently serves both international and domestic flights. The local airport authority is currently in the process of building a new international terminal building. RSA Design Group was asked to submit a proposal for the renovation of the existing building. The renovated structure would be repurposed as a domestic terminal, with all international flights passing through the new terminal building. More about the Heydar Aliyev International Airport after the break.

Architect: RSA Design Group
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Project Year: 2010
Photographs: RSA Design Group