Kazakhstan architecture news, buildings design

Kazakhstan Architecture News: Buildings

post updated 7 November 2026

Kazakhstan Architecture Designs – chronological list

30 June 2026
National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan headquarters, 64 Mangilik El Avenue, Esil District, Astana, Z00A9G3, Republic of Kazakhstan
Architecture: ZHA

photo : Hufton+Crow
The design draws inspiration from the outcrops and cliffs that emerge dramatically from the Kazakh steppe, their exposed geological strata shaped over millennia by the region’s distinctive climatic forces. Reinterpreting these undulating formations in architectural form, the façade evokes the layered textures and rhythms of the landscape, establishing a powerful connection between the building and the territory from which it arises.

9 February 2026
Cycle City – Almaty East Gate Masterplan competition entry
Design: Habibeh Madjdabadi Architecture Studio

image courtesy of architects practice
For the Almaty East Gate Masterplan competition, Habibeh Madjdabadi Studio presents ‘Cycle City’, an urban design strategy that separates pedestrian and cycle movement from vehicular traffic. The proposal introduces an elevated network of routes for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to create a safer, more accessible and active urban environment. Its distinctive circular geometry takes inspiration from the traditional Kazakh yurt, translating this cultural reference into a masterplan that responds to local climatic conditions while encouraging community interaction and connectivity.

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Kazakhstan Architecture News 2025

Kazakhstan Architecture News in 2025

18 December 2025
Almaty Eastern Gate Polycenter Competition
Design: ENOTA Architects

visualization : Studio Spacer
Slovenian architecture practice ENOTA has been announced as the winner of the international architectural competition for the conceptual design of the Eastern Gate Polycenter District in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The competition was organised by the Municipality of Almaty in collaboration with the international architecture platform SHARE Architects, inviting proposals for the future development of this significant urban district.

27 September 2025
Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, Almaty
Design: Asif Khan architect

photo © Laurian Ghinitoiu and Asif Khan Studio
The Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture, Kazakhstan’s first independent cultural institution, has completed the transformation of Almaty’s historic Tselinny cinema into a new cultural landmark for Central Asia. Providing an international platform for artists in Almaty and the wider region, the institution brings a new cultural purpose to one of the city’s most recognisable Soviet-era buildings. Designed by Asif Khan, the deeply personal project encompasses almost 6,000 sqm of renovated interior space, complemented by a further 6,000 sqm of landscaping. Located at the heart of Almaty’s ‘Golden Square’, the development reimagines a significant piece of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage as a contemporary destination for artistic exchange and public engagement.

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Kazakhstan Building News Archive

Kazakhstan Architectural News in 2024

Architectural Report by Daniel Lomholt-Welch

Daniel Lomholt-Welch

Central Asia built environment designs updates in 2024:

26 October 2024
Qazaqstan Radio and Television Corporation, Almaty

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
The Qazaqstan Radio and Television Corporation building in Almaty is an iconic structure that represents Kazakhstan’s pioneering role in Central Asian broadcasting. Located in the heart of Almaty, this building is the headquarters of Qazaqstan, the country’s national television and radio broadcaster, and it plays a significant role in the nation’s media landscape.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Constructed during the Soviet era, the building embodies elements of Soviet modernist architecture, with its angular lines, concrete facades, and minimalistic design that reflect the functionalist ethos of the time. The structure is both practical and imposing, with large, tinted windows and spacious interior halls designed to accommodate the diverse operations of a broadcasting corporation. Inside, the building houses studios, editing rooms, and administrative offices that support the vast network of Qazaqstan’s media operations, which include national TV channels, radio stations, and digital content production.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Beyond its architectural presence, the Qazaqstan building symbolizes the country’s media evolution. Since its establishment, it has been at the forefront of delivering news, cultural programming, and entertainment, evolving from a Soviet broadcaster into a modern platform reflecting Kazakhstan’s identity. Today, it remains an important cultural institution, bridging tradition and progress through Kazakhstan’s media landscape.

13 October 2024
Hotel Kazakhstan, Almaty

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Hotel Kazakhstan, located in the heart of Almaty, is an iconic symbol of the city and one of its most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1977 during the Soviet era, the hotel stands 102 meters tall with 26 floors, making it one of the tallest buildings in Almaty and a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Its distinct architecture blends Soviet modernism with local Kazakh motifs, giving it a unique and imposing presence.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
The hotel has been a prestigious destination for both domestic and international visitors, offering luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city. Inside, its grand interiors reflect a blend of traditional Kazakh elements and modern amenities, providing comfort and elegance for guests.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Beyond its hospitality offerings, Hotel Kazakhstan has become a cultural symbol, representing both the historical significance of Soviet-era architecture and Almaty’s transformation into a modern, cosmopolitan city.

23 Sep 2024
Aul Residential Complex, Almaty

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
The Aul Residential Complex, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a landmark housing project built in stages from 1986 to 2002. The complex was designed by a team of distinguished architects—B. Voronin, L. Andreyeva, Yu. Ratushnyi, V. Lepeshov, V. Ve, and M. Rakhimbayev—who sought to create a harmonious blend of modernist architecture with Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical influences.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
The complex’s name, “Aul,” meaning a traditional Kazakh village, reflects its design philosophy. The architects aimed to integrate the concept of communal living, reminiscent of rural Kazakh life, into a modern urban environment. The design includes interconnecting courtyards and green spaces, which foster a sense of community and shared spaces, characteristic of an aul. Architecturally, the Aul complex combines Soviet modernism with emerging post-independence national identity, reflecting the transitional period in Kazakhstan’s history.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch
Characterized by geometric shapes, the buildings’ layout maximizes natural light and airflow, enhancing residents’ quality of life. The complex’s large-scale development stretched over nearly two decades, demonstrating its evolving design approach through political and social changes. Today, the Aul Residential Complex stands as an enduring example of Almaty’s architectural landscape, merging functionality, modernity, and cultural symbolism into one cohesive urban space.

17 Aug 2024
State Academical Russian Theatre for Children and Youth, Almaty

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

The State Academical Russian Theatre for Children and Youth in Almaty, also known as TЮЗ (TYuZ), is a significant cultural landmark with a unique architectural style that reflects a blend of Soviet-era design and classical elements. The theater was established in 1944 and its building embodies the functional yet grand aesthetic typical of mid-20th century Soviet architecture. The exterior is characterized by a symmetrical, imposing facade with clean, linear forms, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. However, this simplicity is balanced with classical motifs, such as columns, arches, and decorative reliefs, which add an air of elegance and tradition.

The theater’s facade is both inviting and imposing, with a spacious portico and wide steps leading up to the entrance, symbolizing openness and accessibility. Large windows and a well-lit foyer create a sense of transparency, drawing people into the cultural space. The building is set against a backdrop of mature trees and landscaped grounds, integrating it harmoniously into its surroundings.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

Inside, the theater is designed with the audience experience in mind, featuring a comfortable and acoustically sound auditorium that can accommodate large audiences. The interiors are richly decorated with ornate chandeliers, plush seating, and intricate woodwork, reflecting a combination of Soviet grandeur and a child-friendly atmosphere.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

Overall, the architecture of the State Academical Russian Theatre for Children and Youth serves both as a cultural hub and as an enduring symbol of Almaty’s history, merging functional design with artistic expression while catering to a wide-ranging audience of children, youth, and adults alike.

17 Aug 2024
The Arasan Spa, Almaty

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

The Arasan Spa in Almaty stands as an architectural gem, harmoniously blending Soviet modernism with traditional Central Asian influences. Built in the early 1980s, this iconic bathhouse is a prominent example of how Soviet-era public buildings incorporated local cultural elements. The architecture of the Arasan Spa combines grandeur with the warmth and intricacy of regional design, making it a significant landmark in the city.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

The exterior of the building is monumental and symmetrical, characterized by clean lines and geometric shapes, hallmarks of Soviet modernist architecture. However, what sets the Arasan Spa apart is the integration of traditional motifs, particularly the large central dome that echoes the forms of historic Central Asian hammams. The dome, with its elegant curvature and detailed ornamentation, adds a distinctive touch, making the spa instantly recognizable.

The facade is decorated with patterns inspired by Kazakh art, with intricate tile work and ornamental features that give the building a cultural identity. The use of marble and stone, along with the strategic placement of large windows, creates a sense of solidity while allowing natural light to flow into the interior spaces.

photo © Daniel Lomholt-Welch

Inside, the spa is luxurious, with high ceilings, grand halls, and meticulously designed spaces that include marble floors, mosaics, and decorative woodwork. The interior design emphasizes relaxation and comfort, combining traditional luxury with modern amenities. The blend of historical and contemporary architectural styles at the Arasan Spa reflects Almaty’s cultural diversity and history, making it both a functional wellness center and a living piece of architectural heritage.

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Contemporary property developments in Astana and Almaty city regions in 2013 to 2022

17 Aug 2022
Educational Complex, Nur-Sultan
Design: ATRIUM

image : atrium studio

16 Aug 2022
Pedestrian Green Bridge Kazakhstan
Design: ATRIUM

render : atrium studio
The Pedestrian Green Bridge project reinvents the typology of the bridge as both transitional and recreational spaces. Its ideology and design symbolizes the development of Almaty as an innovative green city, while respecting its traditions and citizens.

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Kazakhstan Architecture Design News in 2020

7 July 2020
Tulip City Astana Expo City
Design: Fundamental Architects with Omega Render

image : Omega Render
Tulip City is a 100.000m2 redevelopment project of the former Astana-2017 World Expo site by the consortium of Fundamental Architects and Omega Render. The original site served as a huge parking lot for the World Expo in 2017, which was attended by over 3.86 million people from 101 participating countries.

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Kazakhstan Building News in 2017

12 Oct 2017
Memorial of Kazakhstan in Astana
Architect: Maciej Jakub Zawadzki

image from architecture office
The main source of inspiration for the design of this symbolic national memorial to commemorate Kazakhstan were not politics or man-made modern structures. Instead, it would serve as a focus for highlighting the unique natural beauty of the country with its spectacular landscapes.

10 Jun 2017
EXPO-2017 in Astana
Design: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG)

image from architecture office
The expo is a prime opportunity for the former Soviet republic to make an impression on an international stage.

12 Jun 2017
Netherlands Pavilion at EXPO-2017 Astana
Design: Hypsos

image from architecture office

12 Jun 2017
Saudi Arabia Pavilion at EXPO-2017 Astana
Design: Hypsos

image from architects office

12 Jun 2017
Algeria Pavilion at EXPO-2017 Astana
Design: Hypsos

image from architecture studio

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Kazakhstan Architectural News in 2013

11 Mar 2013
Astana Arena
Design: Populous + Tabanlioglu Architects

image from architect
The two-tiered structure with a retractable roof forms a large amphitheatre and can seat 33,000 spectators. Its distinctive elliptical shape is easily recognisable and has become a landmark for the city.

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Kazakhstan Architectural Update in 2010

2 Mar 2010
Astana Kazakhstan State Auditorium building
Architect: Manfredi Nicoletti and Luca Nicoletti

photo © Studio Nicoletti Associati, photograph: Simone Levi
The shape of the Kazakhstan central concert Hall is similar to the typical Kazak instrument called “Dombra”. The auditorium is entirely clad in wood inside and outside.

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Kazakhstan Building Design Update in 2009

19 Oct 2009
National Library in Astana Building
Design: BIG

image from architect
Invited as one of five pre-selected architect-led teams, BIG wins the new National Library building design contest. The Danish architecture office was awarded first prize in an open international design competition which included 19 entrants such as architects Lord Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid.

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Kazakhstan Architecture Updates in 2008

9 Aug 2008
Khan Shatyry Astana
Design: Foster + Partners

image : Foster + Partners
This architectural project aims to provide a new civic focus for Astana and is situated at the northern end of the new city axis. The structure rises from a 200 metre diameter elliptical base.