The Khan Shatyr Entertainment and Shopping Centre, a mega structure and a unique design of Foster and Partners is an investment of globally renowned real estate developer, COALCO. It will become a civic focal point for Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan. The soaring structure, at the northern end of the new city axis, rises from a 200m elliptical base.
In its massive volume, as large as four soccer pitches, the centre's unique concept to provide a sheltered environment embracing an urban-scale internal park, shopping and entertainment venue was developed in response to the harsh climate of extreme weather in both winter and summer. The centre will also entertain visitors with its various café and restaurants, movie theatres, leading new retail world brands, luxury stores, Turkish hamam and SPA, children's playground, multi-purpose sports centre, mini golf course, aqua park, wave pool, sandy beach, swimming pools and tropical parks.
In the construction process of this technologic breakthrough mega structure, the most critical phase has successfully been completed on 12 December 2008 by the erection of steel tripod which is mainmast of the tent. The 2,000 tonne weighing structure was lifted at once by four specially located cranes and the whole process took two weeks. In addition, it was closely followed by the engineering community and international press.
Held by a mast that rises 150m, the vast tent-like cable net structure is clad in ETFE, a material that allows light to wash the interior spaces while sheltering them from extreme weather conditions. At the core of the building is a large flexible space that will form the cultural hub of the centre, accommodating a varied programme of events and exhibitions.
The planned completion date of the rest of the phases is July 2009. On this amazing grand opening day of this landmark mega-structure, a number of visitors including celebrities are expected not only from Kazakhstan but also from all over the world.
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For further information, please contact:
Rawaj International
Didem Turkmen
Phone +971 4 3913560 / 3566
Mobile +971 50 5581458
Email: didem.t@rawajinternational.com
© Press Release 2008
