Education was central to Zaha’s life and work. Her commitment to learning continues to shape the Foundation today.

From universities to independent learning programmes, we work with educational partners to support the next generation of architects and designers.

In 2025, we launched the Zaha Hadid Scholars Program at the American University of Beirut. Our partners have also included Ravensbourne University London, Yale University, the London School of Architecture, University of the Arts London (UAL), University of Westminster and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Expanding access and increasing inclusivity are central to how our programmes are conceived and delivered. Through them, we look to break down the social, cultural and economic barriers young people face when entering the creative sector. We also host programmes for families and older generations.

Drawing Matter Architectural Summer School, 2023-Present

For this cultural organisation dedicated to the role of drawing in architectural thought and practice, we funded places in 2023 and 2024 for promising students from diverse backgrounds at its summer-time sessions in Somerset and London. In 2025 and 2026, we hosted its Summer School at our Bowling Green Lane address.

RIBA partnership

Throughout the year, we partner with the Royal Institute of British Architects on outreach programmes for young people, families and senior communities. Through tours, talks and workshops, we offer creative and accessible ways to explore architecture, design and the Foundation's work.

Yale School of Architecture

Each year, we host one of the Yale School of Architecture’s summer school programmes, londonCALLING, at our Learning Studio at 10 Bowling Green Lane. The course prepares young architects interested in museums, archives and cultural venues with the skills needed to develop competition proposals and navigate collaborative project development. There are also talks by visiting speakers brought in by Yale.

Open City Accelerate Programme

In 2023, we joined the programme’s free design, education and mentoring scheme for young people from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them understand if a career in the built environment is for them. Our involvement—which continues today—has helped extend the programme's reach across London and Birmingham.

Local community initiatives

We connect with local organisations to ensure that architectural culture isn’t just limited to professional and academic circles. One example is our ongoing partnership with London’s Peel Institute, where we lead art workshops for senior members of the local community. Each session explores a different artistic medium, drawing inspiration from architecture, design and our collection.