Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center

INTRODUCTION

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects

Engineer: GMD Engineers, Etik Engineers
Structural Engineer: AKT, Tuncel Engineers, MERO
Construction Company: DIA
Developer: State Property Committee of Azerbaijan
Republic
Built in: 2007-2012 Roof Height: 74m
Length: 10,092 m Floors: 9
Built-up Area: 57.519 m2
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

The Heydar Aliyev Center principally consists

of two collaborating systems: a concrete
structure combined with a space frame
system.
 SPACE FRAME

The space frame system enabled the construction

of a free-form structure and saved significant time
throughout the construction process.  In order to
achieve large-scale column-free spaces that allow
the visitor to experience the fluidity of the interior,
vertical structural elements are absorbed by the
envelope and curtain wall system.  The particular
surface geometry fosters unconventional
structural solutions.  The introduction of curved
‘boot columns’ to achieve the inverse peel of the
surface from the ground to the West of the
building.  The ‘dovetail’ tapering of the cantilever
beams that support the building envelope to the
East of the site!
 CONCRETE

Reinforced concrete is mainly

used to construct shear walls as
the partition to separate main
spaces and to support the space
frame. It also used to construct
the footing of the building.
SUBSTRUCTURE
The substructure was developed to
incorporate a flexible relationship
between the rigid grid of the space frame
and the free-formed exterior cladding
seams. These seams were derived from
a process of rationalizing the complex
geometry, usage, and aesthetics of the
project. As Earthquakes are one of the
biggest threats to construction in Baku,
the building must be reinforced by
massive 150-foot-long concrete piles
buried below the Earth's surface to
withstand an earthquake measuring up to
magnitude 7.0
THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE FRAME

DEFINITION:-

A SPACE FRAME OR SPACE

STRUCTURE IS A TRUSS-LIKE,
LIGHTWEIGHT RIGID STRUCTURE
CONSTRUCTED FROM
INTERLOCKING STRUTS IN A
GEOMETRIC PATTERN. SPACE
FRAMES CAN BE USED TO SPAN
LARGE AREAS WITH FEW
INTERIOR SUPPORTS.