PROJECTZaha Hadid Poster Series (2021)
DISCIPLINEExperimental Typography, Poster Design
SOFTWAREIllustrator, IndesignThis typographic poster series is an homage to the renowned Iraqi architect, Zaha Hadid, often coined as the "queen of the curve." Drawing inspiration from her iconic works, the series employs an expressive design, utilizing a grid layout system to visually encapsulate the essence of Hadid's architectural artistry.
THE PREMISEThe objective is to create a large-scale poster series that mirrors Zaha Hadid's architectural style by focusing on typographic weight and hierarchy. Zaha Hadid, a British Iraqi architect born in Baghdad in 1950, is celebrated as a pioneering force in architectural design, introducing a distinctive modern aesthetic of unconventional designs that challenged traditional architectural norms.
THE PROCESSExtensive research into Hadid's portfolio was the initial step to grasp her mastery of combining straight edges and curved contours, with notable works like the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan (2012), the Guangzhou Opera House in Guangzhou, China (2010), and the Phaeno Science Center in Wolfsburg, Germany (2005), standing out. Delving into Hadid's biography and creative philosophy, I gathered textual information to serve as the typographic foundation for each poster.
THE OUTCOMEThe result is a diverse collection of connotative and denotative posters that showcase Hadid's works in unique ways, likewise aiming to challenge traditional typographic norms. A consistent black and white colour palette and typeface family are employed across all posters. Through a strategic use of various weights and type treatments, each design establishes a visual hierarchy, transforming type into both imagery and texture.
These poster designs not only serve as a posthumous tribute to Zaha Hadid's architectural brilliance but also lay the groundwork for a prospective exhibition dedicated to her artistic and architectural legacy.