In November 2012, Astana, the capital of Kazahstan, was chosen by the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) as the venue to host EXPO-2017, which will focus on the theme “Future Energy”. Expo 2012 will focus on both the future of energy, but also on innovative, but practical energy solutions, as well as their global impact. Now, 2017 may seem like miles away, but some of the world’s best architects are already working on some projects! The idea for the expo center is to create a legacy for Astana, which will leave behind new housing, offices, commercial facilities and research laboratories for the betterment of the entire city. Some of the famous people or companies which have submitted building projects for the Expo include UNStudio, Safdie Architects, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, GMP International Gmbh, Zaha Hadid Architects; Coop Himmelb(l)au, J. Mayer H. Architects, Snohetta, and Mecanoo – and the gallery for what they are proposing looks just mindblowing!
UNStudio’s design works on a network of towers and green roofs. The expo site is dominated by Park space, while floating wind turbines tethered to the ground, work to generate energy for the site.
This extraordinary design from Moshe Safdie features a large glass-domed center surrounded by a sinuous line of skyscrapers.
Mecanoo envisions a giant park at the heart of the expo site, and the mountain-like structure will be covered with a roof. Inside, one can find everything you need for the functionality of such an event, as well as an energy generating tower. They also propose a switch into permanent use for when the expo concludes.
This incredibly fun and organic plan put forth by J. Mayer H is inspired by cellular organisms. It consists of a series of national and thematic pavilions centered around the main area. Green roofs cover each pavilion, while an artificial, energy generating cloud hovers over the main area, providing shade as well as energy.
The design from Coop Himmelb(L)au may not seem as green as the previous ones, but it focuses on efficient and low-carbon transportation around the expo site. Vertical axis wind turbines are integrated into the tops of towers, which are also coated in a ‘skin’ of photovoltaic cells.
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architects is all about solar power – how you can use it the most efficiently to capture energy. This design also has a deep meaning, being a modern interpretation of a yurt – the portable, bent dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in the area. Of course, it too is covered in photovoltaics.
To see all the projects which were submitted check this link, and for more info about the entire expo, check out “>their website!
Andrei's background is in geophysics, and he's been fascinated by it ever since he was a child. Feeling that there is a gap between scientists and the general audience, he started ZME Science -- and the results are what you see today.
