Following the need for polycentrism, the 400-ha "Shymkent Сity" neighborhood is being developed as a new city center. As the country's population grows, the strain and pressure on the urban utilities, networks, and facilities grow. Providing everything needed in the nearest vicinity is a solution against one-day migrations from the city outskirts to the center. A network of different local centers contributes to the economic development and sustainability of the city's territory fragments. Pendulum migration decreases, and quality of life improves. The new community will have a business center, a 47-ha central park, schools, kindergartens, cultural centers, housing, and more.

Our client tasked us with developing a master plan and designing a 40 ha land area within this grand vision. As a result, we have revised the scheme and outlined ways to improve it: introducing a pedestrian-friendly street grid, pedestrian alleys within urban blocks, providing schools, clinics, and kindergartens, and using different building typologies for diversity. In addition, perimetral blocks and optimal sizes of urban blocks are essential to increase the local economy and enhance the "eyes to the street" effect.

URBAN BLOCK TYPOLOGY

1. Towers allow maintaining the required density of the site, open views for second-line buildings, and increase the number of housing and offices with panoramic views of the park. In addition, towers form dominants around the park, creating landmarks for people. 

2. Typical mid-rise neighborhoods form a calm and comfortable background architecture. The perimeter of blocks has gaps, allowing to visually expand the courtyard space and create visual corridors. The inter-block zones are used as parking parks and public areas.

3. Blocks of individual mid-rise towers form a cluster around a courtyard. Introducing this typology create environmental diversity and develops the area's character. In addition, due to the more significant number of gaps in the contour of the block, opportunities are created for corner apartments, panoramic views, and a variety of architecture.

Landscape

The fundamental principle for the landscape in drought-prone zones is to use local species that demand little to no watering. Drought-resistant plants are perennials that will save on transplanting, watering, and care. For the visual effect, it is essential to curate the selection of a palette of plants and shrubs with different flowering times, foliage color in autumn, and an exciting view in winter.