NU Medical School
Symbol of Kazakhstan’s educational future: Nursing and Medical College Complex
- Location
- Kazakhstan, Astana
- Program
- Educational Facility
- Site
- 11056㎡
- GFA
- 36,296㎡
- Status
- Completed
- Client
- Nazarbaev University
- Collaboration
- Perkins+Will
Located along Qabanbay Batyr Avenue near Nazarbayev University, this educational facility stands as a gateway structure on the road to Astana’s city center. Its distinctive curtain wall design captures attention and symbolizes the protection of Kazakh citizens—embodied by two hands—through the integration of nursing and medical education.
The two wings represent the Nursing and Medical Colleges respectively. One wing houses lecture halls and laboratories for medical education, while the other supports hands-on training for nursing students. At the core of the building is a glazed atrium that utilizes a transparent roof to flood the interior with daylight, contributing to energy efficiency.
Astana’s extreme climate (ranging from 40°C in summer to -30°C in winter) prompted the adoption of parametric design solutions. The façade combines powder-coated aluminum panels and curtain wall glazing. A dynamic pixel pattern enhances visual depth—revealing interior vibrancy by day and glowing with illumination by night to enrich the urban landscape.
Despite the unfamiliar environment, the team maintained conceptual integrity while addressing local challenges through accountability and creative problem-solving. This effort transformed the project into more than a building—it became a national landmark for Kazakhstan’s future in healthcare and education.