President Nazarbayev OKs Astana EXPO-2017 design project

ASTANA. KAZINFORM - A concept of the Astana EXPO-2017 design project has been presented to Head of State Nursultan Nazarbayev in the Akorda presidential residence today, the president's press service reports.

During the presentation launched by Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill Architecture LLP that was named the winner for the best sketch idea of the EXPO-2017 exhibition center in the Kazakh capital, President Nazarbayev noted the international exhibition will be the biggest event ever held in Astana.

"This complex will change the face of the city dramatically. I familiarized with all sketch ideas submitted by 50 contenders and only 10 best were chosen. Out of 10 designs, we opted for the one suggested by Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill Architecture LLP. We took into account the fact that the company boasts extensive experience not only in construction, but also in green economy," the Kazakh President said. Nursultan Nazarbayev underscored the project would be a bright example in the sphere of green energy and all future constructions would be based on that experience. The President approved the concept presented by Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill Architecture LLP and said it was high time to start the construction. "This project is a huge responsibility for Kazakhstan as we are to welcome up to two million guests and demonstrate the application of high technologies," N. Nazarbayev concluded.