Approaching completion is the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan. An important design project by the practice of Zaha Hadid Architects, this spectacular landmark structure is set to herald a new age for Azerbaijan

Creating a stark contrast with the city’s architecture of the Soviet era, the Heydar Aliyev Centre exhibits the familiar elegance of sleek contemporary design of the award winning practice. Its fluid curvilinear form emerges from the landscape to soar three levels in height, making it visible throughout the city of Baku. The outer skin of the gleaming white panels form a continuous surface with glazed openings, flooding the interior with natural daylight.

The 57.000 sqm. building will accommodate a library, museum, exhibition space and a conference centre and will play a vital role in the urban development of the site. The centre, which has already received nominations for the 2013 World Architecture Festival and the Biennale Inside Festival, is due to open to the public in September 2013.