Patrik Schumacher

Spear’s Review

Patrik Schumacher joined Zaha Hadid Architects in 1988 and took over as principal following the death of Hadid in 2016. Described by the company as ‘one of the most prominent thought leaders within the field of architecture, urbanism and design’, he has led projects in China, London, Germany and Spain.

‘We have very strong skills, particularly when it comes to design technology, fabrication and construction,’ he tells Spear’s. The practice’s development of parametric architecture and organic algorithms means that it can work on complicated engineering projects that have a higher need for versatility in their construction. ‘The merit of our style is that we are adaptive to complex sites; we can adapt the internal and external form in an elegant way.’

Having worked on some of the world’s most recognisable buildings, and taken on a few discerning private residences, Schumacher sees human nature and instinct as integral to the creation of a building. ‘Buildings are fitted to place and purpose, uniquely,’ he says, ‘the idea is that you can navigate them intuitively’.