Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Zaha Hadid studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before moving to London in 1972 to attend the Architectural Association School of Architecture. Her early career was defined by a departure from traditional drafting, as she drew heavily upon the Russian avant-garde and Suprematism to develop a unique visual language of fragmented geometry and dynamic abstraction.

Hadid's work is characterized by sweeping curves, elongated structures, and a rejection of the traditional right angle. Her practice spanned architecture, urban design, and furniture, often utilizing advanced computational modeling to realize complex, organic forms that challenged the limitations of contemporary building materials.

Recognized as a transformative figure in 21st-century design, her legacy continues to influence global architecture and the Serpentine Pavilion program, which she helped shape through her early contributions to the series. Her work remains a benchmark for the integration of artistic vision with structural engineering.