Zaha at the Architecture Biennale: What she has in common, and with who!

When looking at at something apparently new, it is easy to think it has no basis in precedent or that the work represents a break with past thinking. This year, the Venice Biennale takes as its theme; “Common Ground”. It aims to show how the work of contemporary architects flows from the collective research that forms the body of architectural knowledge. Zaha Hadid Architects explain on whose shoulders they stand. It is well known that Zaha's early work was inspired by Russian Suprematism, but all along there has been a dialogue with her contemporaries as well. More recently, as the practice's work began to explore algorithmic form generation, so the historical strands of research led to pioneers of a different variety. This year the show at the Biennale will look at how the practice work connects with the work Frei Otto, Felix Candela, and Heinz Isler among others. It will also include work by Philippe Block, a young, contemporary researcher of stone compression shells. Combining the worlds of compression shells and net structures is the practice's new fronter that the show will explore. Take a preview of a concept animation. Zaha Hadid Architects at Venice Architecture Biennale Room 1.9, Corderie dell' Arsenale 29^th August - 25^th November 2012