10 year anniversary of the Investcorp Building
May this year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Investcorp Building. Today, the iconic ‘bridge’ is at the heart of the Middle East Centre. Since it’s opening in 2015, it has provided an inspiring space for our community to study, exchange ideas, and welcome distinguished visitors from around the world. It also houses a unique collection of rare documents and photographs on the Middle East from the 1800s to the present day.
The Centre needed space to host its growing archive, library and busy public lecture programme. In 2006, the Centre commissioned internationally renowned Zaha Hadid Architects for this ambitious project. With a transformative donation of £11 million from Investcorp (an alternative investment firm founded by Mr Nemir Kirdar) building was able to commence in 2013.
Finally, on Tuesday 26 May 2015, Dame Zaha Hadid attended the opening ceremony for this remarkable building. Tragically, this was to be the last opening ceremony she attended before her death the following year.
Find out more about the story of her building, captured in this new film by HENI Talks.
To celebrate Dame Zaha Hadid’s legacy, we will be hosting two lectures reflecting on her life and work. These will both take place in the Investcorp Lecture Theatre, followed by drinks in the Gallery. All are welcome to attend, no registration necessary.
Lectures:
- Philip Michael Wolfson (former Head of Design for Zaha Hadid)
- Joseph Giovannini (biographer of Zaha Hadid)
