Tributes pour in for architect 'who pushed the boundaries' Dame Zaha Hadid

Architect Dame Zaha Hadid, known for designs such as the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, has died from a heart attack aged 65.

She contracted bronchitis while in Miami earlier this week and died in hospital on Thursday morning, her company announced.

In a statement it said: "It is with great sadness that Zaha Hadid Architects have confirmed that Dame Zaha Hadid, DBE died suddenly in Miami in the early hours of this morning.

"She had contracted bronchitis earlier this week and suffered a sudden heart attack while being treated in hospital."

Jane Duncan, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba), described news of Dame Zaha's death as "absolutely terrible".

She said: "Dame Zaha Hadid was an inspirational woman, and the kind of architect one can only dream of being. Visionary and highly experimental, her legacy despite her young age, is formidable.

"She leaves behind a body of work from buildings to furniture, footwear and cars, that delight and astound people all around the world."

She concluded by saying: "The world of architecture has lost a star today."

In the UK, Dame Zaha's most recognisable works also include the failed Cardiff Bay Opera House while, globally, her notable designs include Guangzhou Opera House in China and the Vitra Fire Station in Germany.

Dragons' Den star Den Kelly Hoppen also paid tribute to the architect, tweeting: "Deeply saddened by the news of Zaha Hadid's death. She was an iconic architect who pushed the boundaries to another level xx #ZahaHadid"

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey also posted on Twitter, saying that Dame Zaha "made a huge contribution to contemporary architecture".

British swimmer Rebecca Adlington, who won two Olympic bronze medals in the arena designed by Dame Zaha, sent her condolences to the architect's family in a tweet, adding: "Such admiration for her work especially the London Olympic Aquatic centre."

In 2012 Dame Zaha was honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to architecture.

Earlier this year Riba announced that Dame Zaha would receive the 2016 Royal Gold Medal.

She was the first woman to be awarded the honour - personally approved by the Queen - in her own right.