Kazakhstan’s epic monument

In the presence of President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Aldar PropertiesALDAR Properties, and Al Maabar plan to launch Abu Dhabi Plaza in the capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana, in the Special Economic Zone. This international move by the property development firms will feature an integrated community development created for the rapidly growing capital city. The Central Market Redevelopment has provided inspiration for the new project. Abu Dhabi Plaza is a staggered matrix of buildings combining a retail and leisure podium with a hotel cluster at the base that rises to form a series of office and residential towers to the north as well as a series of temperate year-round winter gardens, creating a new landmark on Astana’s skyline. The retail podium also contains elements which are a re-invention of a traditional marketplace and also incorporate a light rail station and public square.

Situated along Astana’s ‘green axis’, Abu Dhabi Plaza allows light to be channelled deep into the mass of the buildings, creating a network of sheltered pedestrian routes through the site. A highly efficient compact scheme, the matrix of blocks organisation of the building is an effective means of maximising the potential for thermal insulation during the colder winter months, when temperatures can reach as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This integrated community will be a 24 hour destination, offering complete leisure and work solutions for the residents of Abu Dhabi Plaza. The Abu Dhabi Plaza is a response to the growth in the number of people who have been attracted to the capital city.

In his speech to the delegation attending the launch of this esteemed development, Chairman of Aldar Properties ALDAR Properties

Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh commented, “The Abu Dhabi Plaza development is a catalyst for the city of Astana to further develop its economy and bring business interest into the nation. We hope that this development will be viewed as an icon for Astana as well as a landmark for Kazakhstan on an international level.”

The cluster formation – where the taller blocks of varying heights rise out of the matrix – has been carefully designed to provide the appropriate views for the different building types. The more exclusive penthouses and the higher residential towers have dramatic views over the city, while the lower rise offices and hotel are more inward facing to reinforce the sense of place.

The Special Economic Zone will also provide incentives to investments based on tax and customs preferences, and will implement scientific and technical achievements in urban planning, and will allocate plots of land for construction in the new city centre.

Sections of the retail mall will draw on the historic legacy of Kazakhstan’s traditional Bazaars by recreating a bustling marketplace ambience. Light shafts between the blocks are infused with colour by the use of laminated glass panels that flood the spaces below with a dynamic play of light, shadow and patterns.

Youssef Al Nwais, Managing Director and Member of the Board for Al Maabar commented, “We are pleased to be a part of this development in Astana. This move supports the strong relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Kazakhstan. We are proud to have this joint venture with Aldar Properties, the leading property developer internationally. Through our role, we aim to add value to all of our partners and to Kazakhstan.”

Abu Dhabi Plaza has a five year construction period and the estimated completion date is 2010.