Student of University of Strathclyde
From Baku to Glasgow: How Zaha Hadid Inspired My Path to Architecture at Strathclyde
Hi! My name is Shalala Abbasova, and I am 17 years old. I just finished my senior year of high school, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted to the first year of Architecture at Strathclyde University!
The Spark: A Childhood Masterpiece
My passion for architecture began when I was very young. I was only about eight years old when the stunning Heydar Aliyev Center by the legendary Zaha Hadid was completed in 2012 in my hometown. Seeing that masterpiece was the initial spark that ignited my interest.
As I got older and started traveling around the world—visiting the UK, Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia—I realized that architecture wasn’t just an interest; it was the occupation that fit me best.
Finding the Perfect University
I’ve always dreamed of studying in Europe, particularly in Britain. When it came time to research universities, I had specific criteria. I wanted a highly-ranked architecture program located in a supportive environment.
My search led me to Strathclyde University. I was excited to discover it is included in the Top 20 universities for architecture in the UK. An added bonus? It’s located in Glasgow, which is known as one of the friendliest cities in the world!
A Two-Year Plan for Success
As a high school student with a local education, I knew getting into a competitive UK architecture program directly would be challenging, and in many cases, rare. I desperately needed a support system to navigate the application and preparation process.
After doing extensive research and asking for recommendations, I connected with Caspian Hazri. They provided invaluable guidance, creating a comprehensive two-year plan that led me exactly to where I am now.
A key part of this plan was attending an architectural course in Bournemouth, UK. This exposure gave me the practical and contextual preparation I needed to stand out.
Thanks to this structured preparation, I was successfully accepted directly into the first year of the program at Strathclyde University—a fantastic and rare achievement for a senior graduate with my background!
I am so excited to start this new chapter in Glasgow and begin my journey into the world of architecture.