The conceptual design for the 5,000 sm Astana Arts Center was created for EXPO-2017, Kazakhstan’s International Exposition, which ran from June-September 2017. The design was intended to be a venue for international art events, as well a space to promote young local artists who currently lack gallery representation, both during the expo and in its post-expo legacy community.
Inspired by the gently rolling hills of Kazakhstan, the goal was to design a form that complements various sizes and scales of art, while also incorporating a double-wall system that insulates the building during the region’s humid summers and harsh winters, making it one of the most efficient buildings in the region.
The art center's shape was optimized to reduce energy and carbon loads while incorporating passive design philosophies. An extensive solar radiation analysis was done to locate the optimal location for a series of rooftop photovoltaic panels, which determined that the exterior wall needed to be tilted downward to minimize solar radiation. A daylighting analysis helped determine the shape and the size of the atrium skylight and the density of the solar cells integrated into the skylight glass.
A green roof further activates the sustainable qualities of the design. The roof thermally and acoustically insulates the museum as it creates multiple viewpoints and gathering points for visitors.
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