Why BMW Loves Zaha Hadid
If you're like me, right now you're probably scratching your head saying, "Who is Zaha Hadid"? Unless you are an architect and travel in some of the world's most prestigious social circles, you won't even recognize her name. After reading this article you will not only come to admire and respect her, but also you'll understand how important she has been to BMW.
Here are just a few vital statistics so that can get to know her and why BMW commissioned her to design and construct their award winning building in Leipzig, Germany. Born in 1950 in Bagdad, Iraq she received her degree in mathematics from American University in Beirut in 1971. One year later in 1972 she earned her degree in Architecture from the Architectural Association in London.
She started her our firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, in 1979 and is based in London.
Just for a moment imagine how important a project this was for BMW. The company wanted to build a $1.55 Billion (yes, that's right Billion) complex in Leipzig where 650 BMW 3-Series Sports Sedans would be produced daily by 5,000 employees. After an exhaustive search of 25 international architectural firms, BMW selected Zaha Hadid for their project. And as history proves, the faith and confidence they placed in her was, no pun intended, right on the money.
Her concept for the BMW facility was absolutely brilliant and totally unconventional. Her design combined blue-collar factory workers and white-collar managers and staff into one flowing operation of automotive production and management. As Zaha Hadid said, "Our idea was always to challenge the typology. It took tremendous chutzpah for BMW to allow us to do this project."
In simple terms here's how the building works. As managers and staff work in their offices, unfinished BMW car bodies pass by overhead on a conveyor system on their way to be completed. Picture a central hub connecting three BMW production buildings. Each section has it's own part to play in the assembly process.
First is the production of raw auto bodies. Then the next step is the paint shop. And finally there is the huge assembly hall where the luxury BMW vehicles are completed. Not only is this design functional and efficient, but it is also stunning to the eye. Creating this building proves yet again that BMW is an automotive leader because of its commitment to innovation and ideas.
Now you know this little known story of "Why BMW Loves Zaha Hadid".
Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At A Price You Can Afford. Go To:
http://www.bmwsauctions.com
