NU Park, Astana
An eco-friendly space embodying Kazakhstan’s regional identity and NU’s symbolism
- Location
- Kazakhstan, Astana
- Program
- Mixed-use
- Site
- 245,712 ㎡
- GFA
- 21,060 ㎡
- Status
- Completed
- Client
- Nazarbaev University
- Collaboration
- Kisho Kurokawa
The park design for Nazarbayev University (NU) seeks to maintain Kisho Kurokawa’s original planning concept while enhancing the regional identity of Kazakhstan and the symbolism of NU, with a focus on efficient construction and maintenance. Comprising a Public Park (Park 1) and a Student Park (Park 2), the design reflects local culture and nature, offering a modern and sustainable environment. Landscaping and facilities using local resources are well-suited to Astana’s climate, and the design considers seasonal changes and user patterns to increase the campus's appeal.
Public Park (Park 1). An open space expressing urban identity, blending modern design with natural hills symbolizing Kazakhstan’s steppe and yurt-shaped pergolas. The glass pavilion area includes a large festival lawn, pergolas with traditional wool motifs, solar panels, and LED lighting. A climate-adapted Japanese garden features apple, pine, and maple trees with natural stones and gravel. Flower and BBQ gardens add early greenery with perennials, shrubs, and mature elm trees, offering family picnic amenities.
Student Park (Park 2). A resting space reflecting NU’s symbolism and ecological values. Lawn hills and an outdoor theater continue the hill concept, while a pine-birch eco-forest creates layered greenery. The NU-logo lake provides summer relaxation and winter skating, surrounded by apple trees, willows, elms, a pedestrian bridge, and green islands. The student plaza near the clubhouse is a lawn square with elm and maple trees, stands, and lighting for community activities.
The planting plan maximizes initial greening effects by using regional tree species suitable for Astana’s climate (apple, pine, maple, elm, etc.), and increases visual completeness by utilizing mature trees over 12 years old. To facilitate winter snow removal, no trees are planted within 1 meter of walking paths, where grass is maintained, and emergency roads are secured. Facilities reflect traditional Kazakh design elements, including yurt pergolas, benches made of natural materials, and durable plastic functional structures, all enhancing maintenance efficiency. This design harmoniously embodies NU’s symbolism and Kazakhstan’s regional culture, realizing a sustainable campus environment.
Related projects