Heydar Aliyev Center

Giant cultural facility with mesmerizing facade

The design of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center is impressive and unmistakable. The building is a part of the site in a way that shows no beginning or end - total fluidity between the structure and landscaped grounds. It inspires curious visitors to explore the spacious plazas and to view the building from different perspectives.

Since the country’s independence from the former Soviet Union, there has been a push to modernize the cities of Azerbaijan. Many characteristics of Baku are reminiscent of the Soviet era, but the influence this history had on the city’s architecture is one of the most easily recognized. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the concept and architecture of this cultural center is a push to modernize the city and intended to contrast the Soviet style of neighboring buildings.

By night the massive facade is illuminated. Rather than washing the entire building with light, carefully selected folds are highlighted to enhance the complex form of the building. Areas of light and dark create contrast and depth, making the building even more intriguing. The curved surfaces are illuminated from grade level with BEGA in-ground luminaires. The distribution allows light to reach far up the facade, and right down to the ground.