Dame Zaha Hadid

Described as "one of the most gifted practitioners of the art of architecture today", Zaha Hadid's inventive approach, and eagerness to challenge conventions, have pushed the boundaries of architecture and urban design.

Her practice has worked on nearly 1,000 projects, including the Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics and MAXXI, The National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in Rome, Italy.

She was the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. In 2010 and 2011, her designs were awarded the Stirling Prize by the RIBA. In 2012, Hadid was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

In September 2014, Dama Zaha Hadid was awarded an honorary degree from Goldsmiths to recognise her inventive approach and eagerness to challenge conventions. She passed away on 31 March 2016.