Almaty

Al-Farabi Corridor Strategic Plan

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, Urban Design Studio
Partner In Charge: Mustafa A. Abadan
Urban Design Associate: Jae Min Lee
Urban Designer: Daniel O›Shanaussey Junfeng Wang

The Al-Farabi corridor is rapidly becoming the epicenter of commercial and nancial activity in Almaty and throughout southeastern Kazakhstan. New developments dot an emerging skyline set against a backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains, with Esentai Park, Nurly Tau, Almaty Financial District, and high-rise residential projects creating a unique identity and momentum for Al-Farabi. But this rapid urban growth is not without problems. The avenue today is essentially a city highway, with tra c cutting o pedestrian movement and congestion restricting future development of the area. It needs a new vision to leverage this momentum, address major challenges, and create a 21st century urban district.

The vision for Al-Farabi – the boulevard itself and the larger district it supports – is bold but harmonious with the existing city. It balances old and new, preservation and development, city and nature, into a beautiful new residential and commercial area that adds valuable density while respecting Almaty’s image as a “garden city.” It enhances the identity of the corridor through key architectural provisions and adds vibrancy and urban life through upgrades to the public realm. And it does so based on a series of clear, simple urban strategies, which structure the plan and establish the framework for growth.