The Design world lost 2 giants recently. Zaha Hadid, the Iranian born British architect left us on March 31st. She died suddenly of a heart attack at the peak of her career. Dame Zaha Hadid, the first woman and Muslim to win the highly respected Pritzker award was known for her highly expressive, fluid, sweeping perspective. Hadid challenged architectural geometry; sometimes getting her into trouble, sometimes getting her awards. Her modernist mindset defied convention. Zaha's pioneering forward thinking creativity captured an imaginative spirit that was fresh and unique.
"I'm not against the establishment, per se," she told the BBC. "I just do what I do and that's it."
Vadimir Kagan, "Vladi" as he was known, was someone whose work I have admired for years. German born Vladimir became known for his mid century modern furniture with its "sinuous wooden frame characteristics." They have become iconic and the hallmark of a remarkable career. Form follows function in Vladi's designs. His goal was to make furniture with a compact footprint that was conducive to social interaction. His simple designs, both elegant and timeless, have a less is more attitude about them.
Vladimir and Zaha died like they lived.... ahead of their times... and left in their places such beauty.
photos via Zaha Hadid, Vladimir Kagan, pinterest
