GRAND MOSQUE
Type: Master plan / Urban planning
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Project area: 253 ha
Timeline: 2020-2021
Project Team: Katerina Kovaliova, Pavel Nishchanka, Pavel Astapenia, Vlad Chabai, Dmitry Sergienya, Darya Ivanova, Ilya Polonski, Darya Rogovtsova, Yuri Korolev
Tatsiana Palkhouskaya, Yuliya Nesviatayeva, Evgeniy Kanonik, Elizaveta Lavrinovich (LEVEL80 | architects)
Tatsiana Palkhouskaya, Yuliya Nesviatayeva, Evgeniy Kanonik, Elizaveta Lavrinovich (LEVEL80 | architects)
In the development project around the Grand Mosque, our goal was to create a district that would embody the modern, dynamic character of a metropolis while harmoniously blending with the traditional architecture of the mosque. In this project, modern architecture serves as the backdrop, while the urban plan strategically reveals views of the mosque.
Greening is the outstanding feature of the district, capitalizing on the existing Astana green belt that extensively vegetates the site. We meticulously preserved existing trees while introducing a diverse selection of plant species. Greening provides the project with two key competitive advantages: attractive views from the windows and densely landscaped parks.
During the development of this project, we were given a unique opportunity to detail a large-scale project, from the urban plan, architecture, and landscaping to the finishing materials and decorations on the façades. We considered the district layout as a cohesive whole, with the Grand Mosque serving as the central focus, as well as an independent development consisting of 4 quarters, including a city and district park, playgrounds, pocket parks, and a community center.
The project takes a detailed look not only at the typology and category of housing but also at the social infrastructure of each district and area as a whole, including schools, clinics, kindergartens, police stations, and other facilities. It is worth noting that all the elements in the GRAND MOSQUE project are steeped in Kazakhstani traditions, culture, and natural beauty, which impressed us greatly.
