Since Zaha Hadid’s passing in 2016, there has been evidence of differences between the appointed executors of her estate. In fact, this was obvious after the controversial speech given by Patrik Schumacher at the World Architecture Forum in Berlin in 2016. Not only were the other executors displeased with his speech, but also Zaha Hadid Architects as a whole spoke out afterward. They claimed that Schumacher’s libertarian views were completely at odds with Hadid’s Legacy.
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However, it seems like Zaha Hadid’s legacy is being challenged again…
Yesterday, Patrik Schumacher, who is currently the principal of Zaha Hadid Architects and one of the executors of her estate, filed a claim in London’s High Court to become the sole party responsible for Hadid’s estate. This is by relieving the other three appointed executors: Rana Hadid (Hadid’s niece), artist Brian Clarke, and developer Peter Palumbo from their duties as his co-executors.
“My aunt, Zaha, would have been devastated to learn what Schumacher is doing and we feel obliged to resist his claims in order to defend her great name and legacy,” said Rana Hadid, the late architect’s niece.
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It has been stressed that Hadid had a close relationship with each of her executors, and they were selected prior to her death accordingly. Also, it should be noted that the three executors are trustees of the Zaha Hadid Foundation as well.
Slamming Schumacher’s decision, the trio released a joint statement immediately. The Guardian’s critic, Oliver Wainwright, made the statement public, and it went as follows:
“These executors were appointed personally by Zaha Hadid because she trusted them to act in her best interest. All three were known to Zaha for decades, one was a close family member, and the other two were very good friends.”
Not only that, but the trio’s lawyer also released a statement:
“The attempt to remove these three executors is totally unjustified and misconceived. Unlike Mr. Schumacher (who is seeking to gain financially from the estate), the 3 executors have no personal financial interest. They have at all times acted properly and in good faith with the desire to do their best for the estate given their friendship with Zaha Hadid.”
What is to become of Zaha Hadid Architects?
According to the Architect’s Journal, a spokesperson for Zaha Hadid Architects said, “this is a matter relating solely to the executors of Zaha Hadid’s estate.” As we wait to see how things unfold, we can only hope that whatever happens would be in favor of the late architect’s visions and legacy.