Eastern Gate Polycenter Selected for Almaty Urban Expansion

The Eastern Gate Polycenter has been selected to guide Almaty’s eastern urban expansion under the Almaty 2040 Masterplan. This move supports a polycentric model focused on ecology and walkability. The concept emerged from an international design competition. It was organized by city authorities with a global architecture platform. Fifteen firms from three continents submitted proposals.

A winter evening scene at the Eastern Gate Polycenter in Almaty, showing an ice skating rink with visitors and illuminated sculptural buildings against a snow-covered landscape. — This visualization depicts public life during winter at the proposed Eastern Gate , emphasizing seasonal use of open space. (Image © Enota)

Design Concept

The masterplan replaces rigid grids with layered pedestrian corridors. These adapt to the site’s slope and mountainous terrain. Public spaces vary by function and spatial rhythm. This avoids formal repetition. The approach aligns with strategies in the archive. Flexibility takes priority over symbolic form. Future adjustments can occur without major reconstruction.

A conceptual rendering of the Eastern Gate Polycenter in Almaty, showcasing its sculptural brick-clad buildings nestled within a landscaped valley with mountain views. — This visualization presents the integration of built form and natural terrain at the Eastern Gate Polycenter, emphasizing pedestrian pathways through green zones. (Image © Enota)

Urban Integration

The Eastern Gate Polycenter links residential, commercial, and green zones. Low speed transit and shaded walkways enable connectivity. The design reduces car dependency. It also preserves views and ecological ties to nearby mountains. This reflects core ideas in the cities section. Scale sensitive zoning and permeability are central to the plan.

Aerial conceptual rendering of the masterplan in Almaty, showing its integrated green corridors, public spaces, and surrounding urban fabric. — This visualization presents the overall spatial organization of the Eastern Gate Polycenter, highlighting its network of pedestrian paths and ecological zones. (Image © Enota)

Sustainability Framework

The jury highlighted passive climate strategies and adaptable land use. Specific building materials have not been disclosed. The proposal treats sustainability as essential, not optional. This follows ArchUp’s sustainability principles. The site is undeveloped, so no demolition is needed.

Implementation Outlook

The competition includes two gateway zones: the Eastern Gate Polycenter and the Western Gate. The same participant also received recognition for the Western Gate proposal, which suggests a consistent spatial approach across both sites. Authorities have not announced a construction timeline.

Architectural Snapshot: Official news or related events may provide future updates. Could this model inspire other Central Asian cities?

The Eastern Gate Polycenter shapes Almaty’s edge through climate responsive paths and decentralized spaces, favoring resilience over iconic form.

Diagram illustrating the pedestrian network strategy for the Almaty, showing programmatic axes and spatial development logic. — These diagrams explain the conceptual framework for organizing movement and public space within The project masterplan. (Image © Enota)

ArchUp Editorial Insight

The article presents the Eastern Gate as a neutral urban response aligned with Almaty’s 2040 vision, framed through competition mechanics and sustainability rhetoric. It avoids naming designers adhering to ArchUp’s anti-promotional policy but leans heavily on abstract terms like flexibility and resilience without clarifying implementation. While the omission of superlatives strengthens its documentary tone, the text risks becoming a procedural summary lacking architectural specificity. Still, its clear linkage of polycentric theory to pedestrian scale planning is commendable. Such narratives may endure only if they later confront real-world compromises between ecological intent and developmental pressure.