In 1991, Kazakhstan became the last Soviet republic to declare independence. Six years later, the government moved from the Almaty to Astana (formerly known as Aqmola). There, with the help of architects like Norman Foster, they built a futuristic city on the remains of old buildings from the Soviet era.


Here are the results.

Bayterek (means 'tall poplar'), a 344 ft (105 m) tall observation tower, represents a poplar


(via Jamais Cascio and Mariusz Kluzniak)

Two golden towers, also known as 'the beer cans', 1998


(via Frank Herfort, philmensch and Ben Dalton)


Ak Orda Presidential Palace, the workplace of the President of Kazakhstan, completed in 2004.


The 260 ft (80 m) high building has a blue and gold dome topped with a golden statue.


(via philmensch and Erik Stewart)

The 39-story Triumph of Astana, a mixed-use building, opened in 2006. It was modeled after the Seven Sisters


(via Frank Herfort and msykos)

Kazakhstan's Parliament building



(via Ahsel Group and International Union of Judicial Officiers)

The Metropolitan Circus


(via Ben Dalton)

Palace of Peace and Reconcilation (also known as the Pyramid of Peace and Accord), a 203 ft (62 m) high pyramid on a 49 ft (15 m) high earth covered block. It was designed by Foster and Partners, opened in 2006.


(via kersy83 and Ben Dalton)

Headquarters of KazMunayGas, the state-owned oil and gas company of Kazakhstan


(via Martin Lopatka and Ken & Nyetta)

Headquarters of the Nur Otan Party



(via Frank Herfort, Yakov Fedorov and Jonathan Newell)

Shabyt (Palace of Creativity, but also known as the Dog Bowl)


This circular building has two concert halls, two film studios, dance room, a library, a large multi-purpose hall, some meeting rooms and the classrooms of the Kazakhstan Arts University.


(via Ken & Nyetta and io9)


Astana Music Hall


(via Ken & Nyetta and meadowsaffron)

Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall, designed by Manfredi Nicoletti, opened in December 2009



(via e-architect and Ken & Nyetta)

The Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a 500 ft (150 m) high transparent tent designed by Norman Foster, opened in 2010. It has an internal park, a boating river, a shopping center, a minigolf and indoor beach resort and an entertainment venue.




(via Frank Herfort, Ben Dalton, upyernoz and ninara)

Lazurny Kvartal (Azure Complex), a residential complex, opened in 2011


(via Frank Herfort and BI Group)

Residential buildings



(via ninara)