Under the theme of Energy for the Future, Expo 2017 has been receiving proposals from top designers and architects that really explore sustainable energy. This proposal from Saraiva + Associados was recently selected as one of the top 10 finalists for the competition based on their concept that “Life should be built on the conservation of energy.” Their idea revolves around a landmark in Astana, Kazakhstan, that integrates renewables, clean technology and sustainability into livable architecture in a complex of buildings that will be constructed around a central Science and Education Center.
The site is surrounded by an interesting landscape delimited by a Green Ring embracing a water reservoir. This, the design studio states, is an essential framework for landscape design and architectural composition and both should help solve the local climatic problems – very warm summers and extremely cold winters.
Using a “poly-center” principle at the urban plan’s core, which the studio says is the most beneficial for sustainable development in big cities, facilitates connections between the city center and exhibition center. An iconic building would lie at the central intersection point between the axes as the “Symbol” of the expo.
While the concept design itself looks striking and modern, its core ideas also stand out. The studio says they “aim to intervene in tune with man and earth”, presenting formal solutions that help bring together environmental concerns and design. If the concept goes ahead, the design would help demonstrate that sustainable energy can be adapted in building construction and city planning using new technologies and conceptual thinking.
Via ArchDaily
Images courtesy of Saraiva + Associados
