PHOTOS: Astana’s Khan Shatyr is the World’s Biggest Tent!

The grand opening of the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/06/24/foster-partners-space-port-america-blasts-off/">Foster + Partners</a>' designed <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/07/the-khan-shatyr-worlds-largest-tent-opens-in-kazakhstan/">Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center</a> created quite a buzz in the architecture world. Not only is this the largest tent in the world -- it is also located in Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, which is a difficult environment to erect such an audacious project. Measuring 150 meters tall with a 200 meter radius and 100,000 square meters contained within the translucent canopy, this is one of the most visually striking projects we've seen this year. Read on to see our exclusive photos of the world's biggest tent, and the beauty and engineering that went into it.

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astana">Astana</a>, meaning simply "capital" is the new political seat of Kazakhstan, a country that gained independence from Soviet rule in 1991.

The Kkan Shatyr Center clearly symbolizes the transition of an ancient culture to contemporary times.

A central 150 meter tripod column supports a cable system web, which in turn supports the skin.

The structure displaces warm air though the top with cooler air from below.

The huge indoor atrium contains multiple levels of retail space.

The expansive center is built for the the people of Kazakhstan to enjoy.

Daylight suffuses the interior of the facility

The upper level is home to a water works park and garden.

When it's cold out, warm air is pushed through the translucent layer of the skin to eliminate condensation.

The sheer scale of the structure is impressive

KFC? The Colonel may not be exactly progress -- but we digress.

More dining.

And even more restaurants flanking the perimeter.

photos by Karim Yergaliyev

photos by Karim Yergaliyev

The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center is a symbol of Kazakhstan's bright future.

photos by Karim Yergaliyev

photos by Karim Yergaliyev

photos by Karim Yergaliyev

photos by Karim Yergaliyev