Dame Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi-British architect, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in contemporary architecture. Known as the “Queen of Curves,” she revolutionized architectural design with her futuristic, fluid, and dynamic forms that defied traditional conventions. In 2004, she became the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the highest honor in architecture.

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2. Early Life and Education

• Birth: 31 October 1950, Baghdad, Iraq.
• Family background: Born into an influential family; her father was an industrialist and politician, and her mother was an artist.
• Education: Studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before moving to London in 1972 to study architecture.
• Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA), London: She trained under Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis, where she developed her unique style influenced by Russian Suprematism and avant-garde movements.

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3. Career Beginnings

• Founded her own firm Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) in 1979 in London.
• Initially faced challenges, as her radical designs were considered too experimental and “unbuildable.”
• Early works were mostly conceptual drawings and paintings, such as the Peak Leisure Club project in Hong Kong (1983), which gained international recognition but was never constructed.

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4. Architectural Style

Zaha Hadid’s architecture is characterized by:

• Fluidity: Buildings with flowing, organic curves inspired by natural landscapes.
• Parametric design: Use of advanced computer modeling and digital tools.
• Deconstructivism: Breaking away from traditional rigid forms, creating fragmented yet harmonious structures.
• Light and movement: Dynamic spaces that seem to flow, often described as “frozen motion.”
• Futuristic vision: Designs resembling spaceships, waves, and organic forms.

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5. Major Works

a) Vitra Fire Station (Weil am Rhein, Germany, 1993)

• Her first major built project.
• Angular, sharp concrete forms resembling a frozen explosion.

b) MAXXI Museum of 21st Century Arts (Rome, Italy, 2009)

• A fluid structure with sweeping curves and interconnected spaces.
• Won the 2010 Stirling Prize.

c) London Aquatics Centre (2012, for the Olympic Games)

• Wave-like roof inspired by the movement of water.
• Considered one of her most iconic and widely admired projects.

d) Guangzhou Opera House (China, 2010)

• Designed like two river-worn pebbles.
• Combines technology and organic form seamlessly.

e) Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center (Baku, Azerbaijan, 2012)

• One of her most celebrated works.
• Fluid, flowing white structure with no straight lines, symbolizing a break from rigid Soviet architecture.

f) Other Notable Works

• Sheikh Zayed Bridge (Abu Dhabi, 2010)
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Seoul, 2014)
• The Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art (Cincinnati, USA, 2003)
• Bee’ah Headquarters (Sharjah, UAE, 2013, completed posthumously)

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6. Awards and Honors

• Pritzker Architecture Prize (2004) – first woman recipient.
• Stirling Prize (2010 & 2011) – for MAXXI Museum and Evelyn Grace Academy, London.
• Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE, 2012).
• Royal Gold Medal (2016) – first woman to receive it in her own right.
• Countless other international honors, cementing her status as one of the world’s greatest architects.

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7. Legacy and Philosophy

• Zaha Hadid challenged the male-dominated world of architecture and broke barriers for women.
• Believed in “pushing the boundaries” of architecture using technology and imagination.
• Her firm, Zaha Hadid Architects, continues to design groundbreaking projects after her death.
• She has inspired a new generation of architects to think beyond geometry and rigidity.

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8. Death

• Zaha Hadid passed away on 31 March 2016 in Miami, Florida, due to a heart attack while being treated for bronchitis.
• Her death was a huge loss to the architectural world, but her legacy endures through her works and her firm.

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9. Conclusion

Zaha Hadid was not just an architect—she was a visionary artist, a pioneer of digital architecture, and a symbol of innovation and resilience. Her bold, unconventional, and futuristic designs reshaped skylines around the world and proved that architecture can be both functional and poetic. She remains an inspiration for architects, artists, and dreamers who dare to see beyond limitations.

By Kavita Dehalwar

Demographic variables refer to the statistical characteristics of human populations used primarily in research, marketing, policy-making, and social sciences to identify and understand different segments within a population. These variables help describe, analyze, and predict behavior patterns, preferences, and trends among groups of people. They are essential in both qualitative and quantitative research because they allow for the classification and segmentation of target audiences.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the major demographic variables:

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1. Age

Age is one of the most fundamental demographic variables. It categorizes individuals based on their age group (e.g., children, teenagers, adults, seniors). It influences:

• Consumer behavior (e.g., preferences for technology, fashion, food)
• Health and medical needs
• Educational interests
• Social and economic priorities

Age groups commonly used:

• 0–14 years (children)
• 15–24 years (youth)
• 25–54 years (working-age adults)
• 55–64 years (pre-retirement)
• 65+ years (elderly)

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2. Gender (or Sex)

Gender refers to whether someone identifies as male, female, or non-binary/other. Traditionally, this variable was limited to biological sex (male/female), but contemporary research often includes gender identity for inclusivity and accuracy.

Influences:

• Employment patterns
• Purchasing decisions
• Healthcare needs
• Social roles and expectations

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3. Income

Income refers to the monetary earnings of an individual or household. It is usually measured annually and is a key variable in economic research, marketing, and social studies.

Categories often used:

• Low income
• Middle income
• High income

Impacts:

• Spending habits
• Access to education and healthcare
• Living standards
• Investment and savings behavior

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4. Education Level

This variable indicates the highest level of education an individual has attained. It is a strong predictor of job prospects, income, and lifestyle.

Typical categories:

• No formal education
• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Higher education (college/university)
• Postgraduate education

Influences:

• Employment opportunities
• Political participation
• Health awareness
• Media consumption

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5. Occupation

Occupation refers to the kind of job or profession an individual is engaged in. This helps categorize people based on skill levels, industry sectors, and work environments.

Categories:

• White-collar (e.g., managers, professionals)
• Blue-collar (e.g., factory workers, technicians)
• Service industry (e.g., waitstaff, customer service)
• Unemployed
• Retired

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6. Marital Status

Marital status describes a person’s legal relationship status. It plays a crucial role in shaping family structure, financial responsibilities, and lifestyle choices.

Common categories:

• Single
• Married
• Divorced
• Widowed
• Separated
• Cohabiting (not legally married but living together)

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7. Religion

Religion refers to the spiritual beliefs and practices followed by individuals or groups. It can influence values, behaviors, dietary choices, holidays observed, and attitudes toward social issues.

Examples:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Judaism
• Non-religious/Atheist

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8. Ethnicity or Race

This variable categorizes people based on shared cultural, national, or racial characteristics. It’s often used in studies of health disparities, education access, political representation, and cultural practices.

Examples:

• Caucasian
• African descent
• Asian
• Hispanic/Latino
• Indigenous
• Mixed race

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9. Geographic Location

This refers to the physical location where an individual resides, including country, region, state, city, or even neighborhood.

Impact areas:

• Climate preferences
• Political views
• Cultural norms
• Language
• Access to resources and services

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10. Family Size and Structure

This variable accounts for the number of individuals in a household and their relationships to each other.

Includes:

• Nuclear family (parents and children)
• Extended family (includes relatives)
• Single-parent family
• Childless couples

Applications:

• Housing needs
• Consumption patterns
• Healthcare planning
• Educational services

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11. Language

Language spoken at home or as a first language is another important demographic factor, especially in multicultural or multilingual societies. It impacts communication strategies in marketing and public services.

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Applications of Demographic Variables

Demographic variables are used in a variety of domains:

• Marketing: To segment customers and tailor advertising.
• Public Policy: For resource allocation, program planning, and social welfare.
• Healthcare: To understand needs and disparities.
• Education: To plan curriculum, school locations, and funding.
• Political Science: For voter profiling and electoral strategy.

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Conclusion

Demographic variables provide a structured way to understand human populations. By categorizing people based on measurable traits, researchers, policymakers, and businesses can identify patterns, predict behaviors, and create targeted strategies. While these variables are powerful, they are often used alongside psychographic, behavioral, and geographic variables for deeper insights.

References

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of research writing and uses of research methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Goldberg, L. R., Sweeney, D., Merenda, P. F., & Hughes Jr, J. E. (1998). Demographic variables and personality: The effects of gender, age, education, and ethnic/racial status on self-descriptions of personality attributes. Personality and Individual differences, 24(3), 393-403.

Gutiérrez, J. L. G., Jiménez, B. M., Hernández, E. G., & Pcn, C. (2005). Personality and subjective well-being: Big five correlates and demographic variables. Personality and individual differences, 38(7), 1561-1569.

Lam, D. (1997). Demographic variables and income inequality. Handbook of population and family economics, 1, 1015-1059.

Pollak, R. A., & Wales, T. J. (1981). Demographic variables in demand analysis. Econometrica: Journal of the Econometric Society, 1533-1551.

Sharma, S. N., & Dehalwar, K. (2025). Assessing the Transit-Oriented Development and Travel Behavior of the Residents in Developing Countries: A Case of Delhi, India. Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 151(3), 05025018.

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Grounded Theory (GT) is a systematic methodology in the social sciences involving the construction of theories through methodical gathering and analysis of data. Unlike traditional research methodologies, GT doesn’t start with a hypothesis but instead allows the theory to emerge from the data. This approach was developed by sociologists Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in the 1960s. Here, we will delve into the detailed process of conducting grounded theory research, including its key principles, stages, and practical applications.

Key Principles of Grounded Theory

1. Data-Driven: Grounded theory is inherently data-driven. Researchers do not begin with a preconceived theory in mind; instead, they allow the theory to emerge from the data collected.
2. Iterative Process: The process is iterative, involving continuous data collection, coding, and analysis. This iterative nature allows for the refinement and adjustment of emerging theories.
3. Theoretical Sampling: Sampling is directed by the emerging theory. Researchers seek out participants or data that will help elaborate or refine the emerging categories and relationships.
4. Constant Comparison: Data is constantly compared with other data throughout the research process. This involves comparing incidents to incidents, incidents to codes, codes to categories, and categories to other categories.
5. Theoretical Saturation: The process continues until no new insights or categories emerge, indicating that theoretical saturation has been reached.

Stages of Grounded Theory Research

1. Preparation

a. Research Questions: Begin with broad research questions that allow flexibility. These questions are not fixed hypotheses but rather general areas of interest. b. Literature Review: Conduct a preliminary literature review to understand the context. This review is not exhaustive initially but helps in formulating the research questions.

2. Data Collection

a. Initial Data Collection: Start collecting qualitative data through interviews, observations, documents, or any other relevant sources. b. Theoretical Sampling: As data collection progresses, decide on further sampling based on the emerging theory. This means choosing participants or data sources that will contribute most significantly to theory development.

3. Data Coding

a. Open Coding: Begin with open coding, where you break down the data into discrete parts, closely examining and comparing them for similarities and differences. Assign codes to these parts. b. Axial Coding: Move to axial coding, where you begin to link codes together to form categories and subcategories. This involves identifying relationships and patterns among the codes. c. Selective Coding: Finally, engage in selective coding, focusing on one core category that all other categories relate to. This core category becomes the central phenomenon around which the theory is built.

4. Constant Comparison

a. Incident-to-Incident Comparison: Compare each incident in the data with other incidents to identify similarities and differences. b. Incident-to-Code Comparison: Compare incidents with codes to refine and adjust the coding scheme. c. Code-to-Code Comparison: Compare codes to identify broader categories and subcategories. d. Category-to-Category Comparison: Compare categories to refine the emerging theory and ensure it is comprehensive and cohesive.

5. Memo Writing

Throughout the process, write memos to document your thoughts, insights, and reflections. Memos are critical for tracking the development of ideas and the evolution of the theory. They serve as a bridge between data collection and theory formation.

6. Theoretical Saturation

Continue data collection and analysis until no new insights, properties, or dimensions of the categories emerge. This indicates that theoretical saturation has been reached, and the theory is well-developed.

7. Theory Integration

a. Integrating Categories: Integrate all categories and subcategories around the core category to form a coherent theoretical framework. b. Refining Theory: Refine the theory by checking for consistency, comprehensiveness, and coherence. This involves ensuring that the theory adequately explains the phenomenon under study.

Practical Applications of Grounded Theory

Grounded theory is widely used in various fields, including sociology, psychology, education, and healthcare. It is particularly useful for:

1. Exploring New Areas: GT is ideal for exploring new or under-researched areas where existing theories may not be applicable.
2. Developing Theories: It helps in developing new theories grounded in empirical data, providing a strong foundation for understanding complex phenomena.
3. Informing Practice: Theories developed through GT can inform practice by offering insights into processes, behaviors, and interactions within specific contexts.
4. Policy Development: GT can guide policy development by providing evidence-based insights into the needs and experiences of different populations.

Conclusion

Grounded theory research is a powerful qualitative methodology that allows for the development of theories rooted in empirical data. Its iterative, data-driven approach ensures that the resulting theories are grounded in real-world experiences and observations. By following the stages of preparation, data collection, coding, constant comparison, memo writing, theoretical saturation, and theory integration, researchers can generate robust and insightful theories that contribute significantly to their field of study.

References

Birks, M., & Mills, J. (2015). Grounded theory: A practical guide. Sage.

Cutcliffe, J. R. (2000). Methodological issues in grounded theory. Journal of advanced nursing, 31(6), 1476-1484.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies. Edupedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2024). Exploring the Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. Think India Journal, 27(1), 7-15.

Dehalwar, K. (Ed.). (2024). Basics of Research Methodology-Writing and Publication. EduPedia Publications Pvt Ltd.

Dunne, C. (2011). The place of the literature review in grounded theory research. International journal of social research methodology, 14(2), 111-124.

Oktay, J. S. (2012). Grounded theory. Oxford University Press.