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More than three years after Zaha Hadid's death, she can finally rest easy as her passion project is about to open its doors to the world, marking a significant mark as one of the exceptional creative legacies she leaves to humanity in the wealthy land of Dubai.
Designed by Zaha Hadid, The Opus will lay the foundation stone for the "ME by Melia" hotel line in Dubai.
In 2007, The Opus was first proposed as a commercial and retail development center. Architects Zaha Hadid stated that the project would consist of two separate towers, merging into a cube-shaped structure. The two towers would be connected by a four-story atrium at ground level and by an asymmetrical three-story bridge, 71 meters high. The hollow core design also allows those in the center of the building to have expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
The interior of this unique cube has been "carved out" to create a central void – similar to the Morpheaus Hotel in Macau, which Zaha's company once designed. Known as the "Queen of Curves," Zaha Hadid has transformed her works around the world with bold, fluid designs, such as London's Olympic Aquarium and the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan, with graceful, soft curves contrasting on seemingly rigid structures, showcasing her sculptural sensitivity to recreating balance between solid and void, opaque and transparent, inside and outside.
The beautifully designed lobby of The Opus – part of the Melia International Hotel Group in Dubai – will serve as a common reception area for guests staying at the building, which includes office spaces, a nightclub, 12 restaurants, and a rooftop bar.
Zaha Hadid's "Opus curves."
The hotel's interior designs were also meticulously overseen by Hadid's team. "You always expect surprises from ZHA's designs, but Opus – "ME by Melia" Dubai – has exceeded all expectations," said Gabriel Escarrer, Vice President and Managing Director of Melia Hotels International.
Located in Dubai's commercial district, Opus is situated near the Burj Khalifa – the world's tallest building, the Dubai Mall, and Jumeirah Beach. ME Dubai Hotels Group is now taking its first steps into one of the world's busiest, most opportunity-rich, and highly competitive hospitality markets.
The Opus shines with captivating charm at night.
Opus is one of four projects by Zaha Hadid Architects shortlisted for the 2019 World Architecture Festival Award. It is the only project in Dubai that Zaha Hadid directly supervised from start to finish.
