Next month sees the release of Hadid, an overview of the work of Zaha Hadid, one of the most celebrated and inventive architects of the age. Taking on relatively small scale projects such as the Strirling Prize winning Evelyn Grace Academy School in Brixton and The Bergisel Ski Jump; alongside London’s 2012 Aquatic Centre and Guangzhou Opera House, Hadid is currently working on the first project in her native Iraq. Images, essays, sketches and floor plans, the book is a detailed survey of an incredible career. Published by Taschen.  Available from Amazon.

Today we come across an excellent video giving a behind the scenes look at the new Zaha Hadid Guangzhou Opera House. Architecture at its best. Enjoy!

After the bad taste generated by the recent Chanel “exhibition” Zaha Hadid is back in the news with a more tasteful show. The collection of her swirling furniture forms at Sonnabend, with some material at a recently vacated garage. Yanko Design has a strong write up of the material, mentioning that its strength comes in range. A number of forms are represented, and the ideas Hadid brings to them explored fully.

Zaha Hadid remains on view until December 13, 2008.

Via: Yanko and Rove TV.

Favorites from the show follow.

Much noise has been generated over Zaha Hadid’s Chanel Pavilion. Located in Central Park, the structure is designed to house a pop up exhibition of art inspired by the 2.55 handbag. Entry is free, but requires advanced RSVP. The event itself an overindulgent exercise. Few people have understood Chanel’s marketing campaign as well as Nicolai Ouroussoff. His article in today’s New York Times, “Zaha Hadid’s Chanel Pavilion,” hits the nail right on the head. Bravo Mr. Ouroussoff! Many thanks are needed for putting the lunacy of this “exhibit” in firm context.

Read the piece here.

Neil Barrett, the English born, Italian living designer (who was also recently featured in a spread in GQ), has just opened a new store front in the Minami-Aoyama district of Tokyo. The Barrett store was designed by Zaha Hadid, who’s architectural works are gaining major praise these days with prominent commissions across the globe (Zaha Hadid herself was the first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize). (via WWDIS)

View more photos from the new Neil Barrett Tokyo Store after the jump.

Love it. Hate it. Karaoke is an inescapable part of our cultural fabric. Whether belting out a version of Meat Loaf’s “I Would Do Anything For Love,” to release some after work tension, or getting really competitive at a hip-hop karaoke session, the appeal of performing has a range of depth and cathartic outlets.

Exploring the layered meanings of karaoke drives a new exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center Cincinnati. American Idyll: Contemporary Art and Karaoke includes the works of artists contextualizing the activity in popular culture. Informed and inspired by recent television trends, like the obvious American Idol, the show also includes a Karaoke Party on site each Monday.

Designed by internationally famed architect Zaha Hadid, the center is worth a visit on its own. Especially amusing is the UnMuseum a portion of the museum that allows kids (and grown up kids) to interact with first rate art, touch and smell, and generally have an awesome time. American Idyll is up until August, the UnMuseum will hopefully be around forever.