This was posted today 6-9-2011 on the CBI website
CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ COMMISSIONS ZAHA HADID TO DESIGN ITS NEW
HEADQUARTERS IN BAGHDAD
The construction of the new Central Bank headquarters in Baghdad represents a
major step in the institutional development and modernisation of the Central Bank
of Iraq. At the margins of the Tigris River, the building site connects to the ancestral
civilisations and the foundations of Iraqi History, opening the prospect of a new
chapter of re‐emergence.
The Central Bank of Iraq has engaged the Iraqi born architect, the legendary Zaha
Hadid. Her team includes some of the internationally well known practices including
DEGW, Davis Langdon, Adam Kara Taylor, and Max Fordham. The team, led by Zaha
Hadid Architects has already produced the initial study setting out client’s
requirements and site utilisation.
The building’s mission is to address the needs and requirements of the Central Bank,
not only functional, but also aesthetical and aspirational. Zaha Hadid’s visionary
concept for the Central Bank of Iraq comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the
country, and will, no doubt, create a new landmark that embodies and
communicates the key values of the institution, such as Solidity, Stability and
Sustainability.