The Khan Shatyr: World’s Largest Tent Opens in Kazakhstan

<br> Yesterday saw the grand opening of the world's largest tensile structure - the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2007/03/26/norman-fosters-entertainment-center-in-kazakhstan/" target="_blank">Khan Shatyr</a> in Kazakhstan. Designed by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/03/19/jordans-energy-efficient-queen-alia-airport-by-foster-partners/" target="_blank">Foster+Partners</a>, the new landmark will include entertainment facilities, cinemas, retail, restaurants and even a water park. The center is covered in translucent <a href="../tag/ETFE" target="_blank">ETFE</a> and designed to withstand the region's brutal winters and hot summers, providing a welcoming oasis for the people of Astana.

<br> Designed by Foster + Partners, the Khan Shatyr is a new entertainment and cultural center for the people of Astana.

<br> Standing 150 meters tall and sheathed in three layers of ETFE, the center is also the world's largest tent.

<br> The President of Kazahkstan was on hand with other dignitaries to celebrate the opening of the center. It was also the President's 70th birthday and Astana Day.

<br> In 1998, the President moved the capital of the country to Astana and poured £8bn into the city to transform it into a capital befitting Central Asia's most booming economy.

<br> The Khan Shatyr is part of the city's new urban plan -- it will serve as a mixed-use development for the city, providing entertainment, culture and public space.

Included in the development are variety of entertainment and leisure facilities, including retail, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, and flexible spaces that can accommodate a varied program of events and exhibitions.

<br> The people of Astana will be able to enjoy the climate-controlled interior of the building and get away from the extreme weather outside, which can dip to -35 degrees Celsius in the winter up to 35 degrees in the summer.

<br> Three layers of ETFE sheath the tent to help efficiently heat and cool the interior. The ETFE also lets light filter into the interior, reducing the need for lighting.

<br> To keep the interior from freezing in the winter, the temperature of the air is tightly controlled and aimed up along the interior of the fabric -- this also helps prevent downdrafts.

<br> In the summer, the exterior offers some solar shading, while cool air is directed along the floor and hot air escapes up and out of vents at the top.

The Center represents a major new civic, cultural and social venue for the people of Astana, bringing together a wide range of activities within a sheltered climatic envelope that provides a comfortable environment all year round.

<br> Nigel Dancey, a Design Director at Foster + Partners, said: “Khan Shatyr will be an important new destination for the people of Astana to enjoy at all times of the year, whatever the weather."

He continues, "We are delighted to celebrate its official opening today. With the Palace of Peace and Khan Shatyr, we are proud to have designed the two landmark structures for such prominent points along the city’s main axis – their forms express the change of emphasis and function, from religion to entertainment, as you pass along this grand new boulevard.”