the opus: zaha hadid's dubai development is set to open in 2018

the ‘opus,’ a major new mixed-use development designed by zaha hadid, is set to open in 2018. dubbed ‘the building that never sleeps,’ the project is the late architect’s first project in dubai and is located in the city’s burj khalifa district. the building, which contains a variety of residences as well as a design hotel, is defined by a void that pierces the heart of the structure. last year, it was reported that the project would contain a ‘permanent memorial’ to its architect, after she passed away in march 2016.

the project has been dubbed ‘the building that never sleeps’
image © aldo amoretti (also main image)

new images of the opus, taken by photographer aldo amoretti, illustrate the scale of the scheme and document its continuing progress. developed by omniyat, the venue will comprise a mix of one-bedroom to three-bedroom triplex apartments with facilities including a temperature controlled swimming pool, a fitness center, and sauna. the on-site hotel will be operated by ME by melia hotels international, with interior furnishings throughout selected by zaha hadid herself.

the scheme is defined by a void that pierces the heart of the structure
image © aldo amoretti

‘the opus is a tribute to hadid’s magnum opus,’ says omniyat. ‘we are honored that hadid chose the omniyat family for her foray into dubai. the opus was designed entirely by the icon herself, from exterior to interior, from start to finish, from concept to each unique detail.’ construction, which was delayed as a result of economic slowdown and complex design solutions, is now set to wrap up in 2018. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

the building is located in the city’s burj khalifa district
image © aldo amoretti

the majority of the glass cladding is now in place
image © aldo amoretti

the development is set to include a permanent memorial to the late zaha hadid
image © aldo amoretti

the development is ZHA’s first in the city of dubai
image © aldo amoretti

the ‘opus’ is set to complete in 2018
image © aldo amoretti