NU Science Park, Astana
Nazarbayev University and Science Park master plan
- Location
- Kazakhstan, Astana
- Program
- Mixed-use
- Site
- 41,400 ㎡
- GFA
- 253,800 ㎡
- Status
- Design
- Client
- Nazarbaev University
- Collaboration
- Kisho Kurokawa, Perkins+Will
Nazarbayev University’s Science Park was initiated in 2012 by presidential directive to serve as a hub for research and development, promoting collaboration between academia and industry. It facilitates innovation across diverse fields including geology and mining, ICT, biomedical sciences, and alternative energy. The 145.7-hectare campus comprises the Main Campus and the Science Park, offering a world-class research environment and supporting sustainable growth. Initially planned in four phases to be completed by 2020, the Science Park was designed to include 170,000㎡ of research and office space, a central park, hotel, sports center, and other shared facilities, accommodating around 4,000 researchers.
The Science Park is designed with key principles of symbiosis between nature and science, environmentally friendly architecture, and responsiveness to local climate conditions. Facilities and public spaces are arranged along a central axis integrated with the Main Campus, featuring an asymmetrical central park and waterway symbolizing East-West harmony. Energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction strategies, and rainwater harvesting systems minimize environmental impact, while pedestrian networks and skywalks enhance communication and interaction among researchers.
The Main Campus was developed based on a master plan by Kisho Kurokawa Architects in 2010, with academic, research, residential, and sports facilities scheduled for completion by 2020. An additional 19.4 hectares and a 50-hectare site provide flexible expansion opportunities, forming a new urban axis along the northern road. Initially planned as a park area, this zone offers an optimal layout for future development, supporting the sustainable growth of the campus.