Gallery 3 — Arch Department

Almaty Hub

Type: IT Campus | Scope: Master planning, Architecture
Client: City Akimat Construction Management
Location: Al Farabi Avenue, Almaty
Year: 2024 | Area: 50,000 sq m
Status: Concept

Almaty is set to establish its own technology park to strengthen the city and region’s economic potential. The IT Hub is conceived as an innovative ecosystem supporting startups, tech companies and relocated businesses, attracting talent and investors. Offering infrastructure, resources and tax incentives, it is designed to drive IT sector growth and entrepreneurship.
The project follows the precedent of Astana Hub — Central Asia’s largest technology park, delivered by a renowned international architectural bureau for the Expo 2017 complex — and sets a new standard for innovation campuses in Kazakhstan.
Located along Al-Farabi Avenue near Kazakhfilm Studios and the First President’s Park, the site benefits from proximity to central districts, prestigious residential areas and established urban infrastructure. At the same time, the narrow plot, red line setbacks and seismic regulations limiting the height to 12 meters impose significant constraints, potentially resulting in an overly stretched horizontal structure with limited functional flexibility. The adjacency to one of the city’s busiest highways adds further challenges related to noise and environmental comfort.

The key conceptual move was to extend the project boundary by integrating part of the adjacent Kazakhfilm site and an underused green square. This was not an expansion for its own sake, but a strategic regeneration of dormant land, transforming it into an active campus setting while revitalizing neighboring functions. The resulting triangular layout forms a continuous perimeter building with a large inner courtyard at its core — the spatial and social heart of the hub. The intervention also establishes shared, barrier-free public areas between the IT Hub and Kazakhfilm, encouraging spatial continuity and programmatic exchange.
Part of the new development is dedicated to digital media, CGI, AI-driven content creation and post-production facilities, reinforcing collaboration between the technology and film industries and contributing to the modernization of the nearby complex. The landscaped courtyard features a garden, an amphitheater for conferences and events, and terraces with mountain views. Designed to foster interaction and networking, these spaces create a dynamic environment for startups, tech professionals and visitors. Special attention is given to noise mitigation through landscape design and vegetated barriers, ensuring a serene atmosphere despite the proximity to a busy highway

Below ground, flexible multifunctional spaces illuminated by skylights are designed to host exhibitions, product presentations and international forums, easily adapting to the needs of both local and global business communities. The architecture emphasizes transparency and environmental integration. Extensive glazing, sun-shaded cantilevered volumes and vertical green systems define the building’s identity, while maintaining openness toward the surrounding context. Public areas are fully pedestrian-oriented and car-free, ensuring accessibility for all, including people with disabilities. All transport, servicing and utilities are placed underground, with emergency vehicle access to the inner courtyard provided through a large arch integrated into the façade. A green roof equipped with solar panels, skylights and rainwater collection systems further enhances the campus’ sustainability strategy.

Project team: Evgeniy Shchetinkin, Evgeniy Tsoy, Alisher Begnazarov, Zinur Tasetdinov, Iliya Sergeev | In collaboration with Metropolis Architects