Zaha Hadid Architects to be granted an Honorary Degree from Goldsmiths University of London

On September 10th 2014, Zaha Hadid Architects, who was described by the Goldsmiths University of London as “one of the most gifted practitioners of the art of architecture today who’s inventive approach, and eagerness to challenge conventions, have pushed the boundaries of architecture and urban design”, will be granted an Honorary Degree from the University. 

Also, Zaha Hadid Architects is one of six creative and visionary individuals who will be awarded Honorary Degrees and Fellowships at the university’s  graduation ceremonies this September. These individuals are

• Internationally acclaimed musician PJ Harvey
• LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell
• Orwell Prize winning journalist and writer Neal Ascherson
• Satirical political cartoonist Martin Rowson
• T.S. Eliot Prize winning poet and Goldsmiths alumnus George Szirtes

Each year, the university awards a number of honorary degrees and fellowships to those who have achieved distinction in their chosen calling. Other notable honorands from past years include: Sir Michael Caine; the Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, Jude Kelly; Jools Holland; Columbia Records’ Chairman Rob Stringer; and Placebo front man Brian Molko.

Liz Bromley, Registrar & Secretary of Goldsmiths, said: “Our honorands this year are  a remarkable group of people. They have changed communities through their inspiring architectural designs. They have pointed out the ridiculous in the news and made us laugh. They have inspired us with their words, their music, and their art. They have fought for our rights. And they have helped us to understand who we are now by looking to the past. Today we are celebrating their achievements. We have invited them to join the Goldsmiths family and will be welcoming them into our community. They will now be a part of an institution that prides itself on empowering individuals from all walks of life to become visionaries, just like them.”