As a country in between Central Asia and Eastern Europe, ranked the ninth largest country in the world as well as the world’s largest landlocked country with territory of 2,727,300 km², larger than the Western Europe.

Situated in the capital of Kazakhstan Astana, the Khan Shatyry entertainment centre will become a dramatic civic focal point. The soaring structure, at the northern end of the new city axis, rises from a 200m elliptical base to form the highest peak on the skyline of Astana.

The 100,000sqm centre’s unique concept – to provide a sheltered environment embracing an urban-scale internal park, shopping and entertainment venue – was developed in response to the harsh climate of extreme weather in both winter and summer.

The building will become a lively public space and an unprecedented amenity for the people of Astana which can be used throughout the year.

Held by a mast, the vast tent-like cable net structure is clad in ETFE, a material that allows light to wash the interior spaces while sheltering them from extreme weather conditions.

A park steps up the height of the building in undulating terraces providing public space and green oases for the visitors.

A tropical water park weaves its way through the landscape and its wave pools, river and waterfall are lit by roof lights that are seamlessly integrated into the design. The highest terrace is a viewing deck which will offer dramatic views over the park.

At the core of the building is a large flexible space that will form the cultural hub of the centre, accommodating a varied programme of events and exhibitions. Complemented by 40,000sqm of retail space with a wide range of cafes, restaurants and cinemas, as well as ample covered car park facilities, the Khan Shatyry will offer leisure facilities for all.

Khan Shatyry, Astana Entertainment Centre

Height: 150m
Floors: 8 fl + tent
Architects: Foster & Partners, Linea Tusavul Architecture, Gultekin Architecture
Client: Sembol Construction
Consultants: Buro Happold, Buro Happold, Dr Martin Bepa, Avi Alkas, Dr Veli Dogan, Ergun Tercanly
Cost: $150m
Total Area.: 100 000 square meters
Construction: 2006 – 2008

Source and images credit: Foster+Partners, www.khanshatyr.com

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you back again soon!

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 2:53 am and is filed under Architecture, Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.