OMA

Office for Metropolitan Architecture, commonly known as OMA, is an internationally renowned architecture firm founded in 1975 by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, along with Elia Zenghelis, Zoe Zenghelis, and Madelon Vriesendorp. Over the decades, OMA has established itself as a significant figure in the world of modern architecture, influencing both theory and practice in the field.

One of OMA’s earliest and most influential projects was the competition entry for the Parc de la Villette in Paris in 1982. Although the project, known as "The City of the Captive Globe," did not win, it showcased Koolhaas’s distinct approach to urbanism and became a cornerstone of contemporary architectural theory. This project demonstrated OMA’s flair for innovative thinking and complex, layered designs.

In 1998, OMA’s design for the Educatorium at Utrecht University, characterized by its seamless integration of different functions within a fluid form, exemplified their experimental approach to educational architecture. This project was notable for its early adoption of sustainable architectural principles, including a pioneering use of green roofs.

Another landmark in OMA’s history is the Seattle Central Library, completed in 2004. The visually striking building, with its crystalline form and functional innovations, was lauded for its radical departure from traditional library designs, emphasizing the changing role of libraries in the digital age.

OMA's headquarters are located in Rotterdam, and the firm's global influence is evident through its offices in New York, Hong Kong, Doha, and Dubai. The firm's portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from private residences and cultural institutions to large-scale urban planning ventures.