The concept at the base of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center is dominated by the idea of topography. The designers attempted to create a dialogue between the fluid form of the building and the landscape. The wave-like shapes of the building were chosen with a great amount of precision: each houses a different function and has its own identity and meaning but when put together, they create a continuous undulating surface, molded by the various parts of the building. This shape is ideal for this type of project, with different, independent programs because it allows a significant amount of freedom when connecting them.The exterior surface becomes part of the interior design too; as it folds inside, the inward curl takes the shape of stairs enabling movement between the lower floors to the mezzanine levels, allowing a continuous, uninterrupted circulation. The exterior fluidity of the ensemble was dictated by the necessity of natural light too, the glass facades ensuring a proper interior lighting.