Kazakhstan architecture news 2024, Astana building projects, Construction design architects, Property images
Kazakhstan Architecture News
Contemporary Building Development – Central Asia Built Environment Updates.
post updated 26 October 2024
Kazakhstan Architecture Designs – chronological list
Kazakhstan Building News
Kazakhstan Architectural News
Architectural Report by Daniel Lomholt-Welch
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.
17 Aug 2022
Educational Complex, Nur-Sultan
Design: ATRIUM
image : atrium studio
Educational Complex, Nur-Sultan
The Educational Complex in Nur-Sultan is a comfortable setting for children and teachers, the purpose of which is not only educational, but also inspirational.
16 Aug 2022
Pedestrian Green Bridge, Almaty
Design: ATRIUM
render : atrium studio
Pedestrian Green Bridge Kazakhstan
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.
7 July 2020
Tulip City, Astana Expo City
Design: Fundamental Architects with Omega Render
image : Omega Render
Tulip City Astana Expo City
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.
12 Oct 2017
The Memorial Complex Project in Astana – Kazakhstan Limited international architectural and urban planning competition
Architect: Maciej Jakub Zawadzki
image from architecture office
Memorial of Kazakhstan in Astana
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 which are nowhere else to be found in the World and as place of belonging for the local and outside people.
12 + 10 Jun 2017
EXPO-2017 in Astana
Design: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG)
image from architecture office
EXPO-2017 in Astana
The expo is a prime opportunity for the former Soviet republic to make an impression on an international stage.
Split into two phases, the 174 ha project features exhibition and cultural pavilions (118,620 sm); a residential development (686,000 sm); service areas including shopping, socio-cultural, educational and civic facilities; parks (72,000 sm); and parking.
12 Jun 2017
Pavilion of the Netherlands at Expo 2017, Astana
Design: Hypsos
image from architecture office
Netherlands Pavilion at EXPO-2017 Astana
The surprising design by Hypsos and Partner for creative services was decisive in this. Under the leadership of creative director Melle Pama and his team at Expo Pavilion Group / gestalt, a distinctive and eye-catching pavilion has been designed.
12 Jun 2017
Pavilion of Saudi Arabia at Expo 2017, Astana
Design: Hypsos
image from architects office
Saudi Arabia Pavilion at EXPO-2017 Astana
Hypsos was selected to fabricate and install The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pavilion at the Astana 2017 Expo in Kazakhstan for K.A.CARE – King Abdullah – City for Atomic and Renewable Energy.
12 Jun 2017
Algeria Pavilion at Expo 2017
Design: Hypsos
image from architecture studio
Algeria Pavilion at EXPO-2017 Astana
The highlight of the exhibition is the Main Show, displayed on a 14 meter x 6 meter curved projection screen, using 4 projectors and a 80 cm video sphere presentation.
11 Mar 2013
Astana Stadium Building
Design: Populous + Tabanlioglu Architects
image from architect
Astana Arena
The two-tiered structure with a retractable roof was conceived as a large amphitheatre and can seat 33,000 spectators. It’s distinctive elliptical shape is easily recognisable and has become a landmark for the city.
Astana Kazakhstan State Auditorium
Architect: Manfredi Nicoletti and Luca Nicoletti
photo © Studio Nicoletti Associati, photograph: Simone Levi
Astana Kazakhstan State Auditorium building
The shape of the Kazakhstan central concert Hall is similar to the typical Kazak instrument called “Dombra”. The internal multi-levelled piazza integrates with Astana’s system of public squares, while providing a space protected from the harsh local climate: a temperature range from -40 to +40 and salty winds. The auditorium is entirely clad in wood inside and outside.
Khan Shatyry Entertainment Centre, Astana
Design: Foster + Partners
image : Foster + Partners
Khan Shatyry Astana
This architectural project is intended 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.
More Kazakhstan Architecture News online soon
Location: Kazakhstan, Central Asia
Kazakhstan Buildings
National Library in Astana
Design: BIG
image from architect
National Library in Astana Building
Invited as one of five pre-selected architect led teams, BIG was awarded first prize in an open international design competition which included 19 entrants among others Lord Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid. The new National Library building, named after the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, encompasses an estimated 33,000 sqm.
Almaty Sofitel Hotel
Design: Aedas, Architects
image from architects office
Almaty Sofitel Hotel Building
The design for the hotel and commercial development by this major international architecture office will result in a striking street frontage on the well-trafficked thoroughfare and corner location. Both the scheme’s orientation and selection of materials will maximise the hotel and office’s views of the spectacular mountain-range to the south.
Central Markets – Abu Dhabi Plaza, Astana
Design: Foster + Partners
Astana tower : Abu Dhabi Plaza
Abu Dhabi Plaza is a staggered matrix of buildings with a retail and leisure podium and a hotel cluster at the base that rises to form a series of office and residential towers to the north – creating a new landmark on Astana’s skyline. The retail podium contains elements which are a reinvention of a traditional marketplace and also incorporate a light rail station and public square.
Comments / photos for the Kazakhstan Building News – Astana construction design information page welcome.