Events

Building Inspiration Lecture 2018

One of the world’s leading architects from world-renowned design practice, Zaha Hadid Architects, visited Belfast in May to talk about his and the practice’s work and to illustrate how much more our built environment can contribute to society when design excellence is to the fore.

The Building Inspiration Lecture, organised by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) in partnership with Arup, was delivered by Jim Heverin to a record attendance of almost 300 at the Waterfront Hall. Jim, originally from Ireland, is one of the four directors at Zaha Hadid Architects. The practice has been awarded the UK’s highest accolade for architecture, the RIBA Stirling Prize, on two occasions and grew to international prominence under its founder, Dame Zaha Hadid who died suddenly in 2016.

Speaking after the event Joan McCoy, President of RSUA said, “The work of Zaha Hadid Architects reminds us all of the full potential of architecture to bring added value. Our buildings are so important to society and they are typically with us for generations, but it is all too easy for short term factors to drive clients toward mediocrity. The message from this lecture to everyone is that we must continue to raise our aspirations in Northern Ireland and work hard to create the conditions that support design quality.”

Jim Heverin, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, stated: “Architecture is about people and we believe that society benefits from good design.  Architects influence how we experience the world around us through the buildings we live, work and play in; the role of the designer is to create inclusive spaces and to think how architecture as a discipline can be supportive in tackling wider social challenges.”

Cormac Deavy, Director, Arup, said: “When buildings are well designed they are capable of delighting us, inspiring us, and supporting our wellbeing. It is powerful outcomes like these that Arup’s building engineers seek to deliver by working collaboratively with architects, property owners and developers. We are pleased to support RSUA’s Building Inspiration Lecture, not least because of our Arup and Zaha Hadid Architect’s shared history of working together to create some of the most world’s exciting buildings.”