The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural masterpiece distinguished by its flowing, undulating forms and the absence of sharp angles. The building stands in striking contrast to the stark, monumental Soviet architecture that dominates the city.
The design symbolizes Azerbaijan's transition to a modern nation with an eye to the future, and the unity between the building and the surrounding landscape. The building's surface appears to flow seamlessly from the ground to the roof.
The cultural center houses a conference hall, a museum, and several gallery spaces, and has become a major focal point of the city's cultural life. It has won numerous awards and is recognized worldwide as an innovative and influential example of contemporary architecture.