The design code regulates the appearance of the urban environment, including signage, advertising structures, navigation, street furniture, non-stationary trade objects (NTO), landscape design, facade elements, temporary fencing, and more.
Key Requirements
When developing the new regulations, specialists drew on the experience of major metropolises such as Seoul, Prague, Melbourne, and Moscow, as well as recommendations from experts in tourism, energy, housing and utilities, ecology, and inclusion.
A city-wide color palette was created based on the cultural codes of the Kazakh people. It includes six primary colors, widely used in Kazakh idioms and reflecting the Kazakh worldview: yellow, blue, green, red, brown, white, and black.
К примеру, зеленый и синий рекомендуются как основные цвета городской навигации, красный и темно-красный — как цвета информационных табличек, объектов культурного наследия, черный, а также белый и светло-серый цвета — для навигации бизнес-объектов и новых районов.
Специальные правила разработаны для вывесок, табличек, билбордов и других элементов наружной информации, внедрены запреты по их хаотичному расположению. Дизайн-код запрещает наносить изображения и надписи прямо на фасады зданий, размещать вывески на ограждениях, балконных плитах, лоджиях и эркерах, а также перекрывать архитектурные элементы, такие как карнизы, лепнина и пилястры.
Кроме того, на киосках разрешено устанавливать не более двух информационных панелей, чтобы избежать визуального загрязнения пространства. Также запрещено размещать рекламу на боковых стенках остановочных павильонов со стороны движения транспорта, чтобы не ограничивать обзор проезжей части.
Photo: Almaty Akimat
For example, green and blue are recommended as the primary colors for urban navigation, while red and dark red are designated for informational signs and cultural heritage sites. Black, as well as white and light gray, are intended for business navigation and new districts.
Special rules have been developed for signage, plaques, billboards, and other outdoor information elements, with restrictions on their chaotic placement. The design code prohibits applying images and inscriptions directly onto building facades, placing signs on fences, balcony slabs, loggias, and bay windows, as well as covering architectural elements such as cornices, stucco, and pilasters.
Additionally, kiosks are allowed to have no more than two informational panels to prevent visual clutter. Advertising is also banned on the sidewalls of bus stop shelters facing traffic to ensure an unobstructed view of the roadway.
Is Business Ready to Meet the New Requirements?
— Entrepreneurs in Almaty generally demonstrate a high level of readiness to comply with the new design code requirements. Since March 2024, around 160 applications for signage approval have been submitted, indicating significant interest from businesses. Many ground-floor business owners have already adjusted their facades to meet the requirements, recognizing that it not only aligns with regulations but also enhances their visual appeal, — stated the Department of Urban Planning.
However, for those who have not yet complied, 1,900 recommendation letters have been issued.
Are Changes Happening?
Almaty has been living with the new design code for a year, and new residential and commercial developments continue to emerge. However, in some areas, signage and banners are still being placed inconsistently, preventing the city from achieving a unified visual identity. Last year, city officials noted that the design code would be implemented gradually, with a transition period of 1.5 years, giving entrepreneurs time to adapt their storefronts to the new standards. But how realistic is this timeline?
Kazakhstani architect and honorary member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Nurlan Kamitov, believes that businesses are still in the adaptation phase.
— They have until September 2025, so it's too early to judge the results. Moreover, this is not a quick process. We see that some companies are already adjusting their building designs to align with the unified style, — says Kamitov.
Photo: Almaty Akimat
The expert believes that introducing new rules to shape the city’s architectural identity, based on the experience of leading global cities, is a step in the right direction. However, he points out the lack of strict design requirements for new residential complexes, which often leads to visual chaos despite the general principles outlined in the design code.
— This can be seen in Almaty’s new districts. While there are citywide regulations, there are no rules for localized or micro-design. As a result, developers and commercial property owners tend to design facades at their own discretion. They may follow the color palette and signage format set by the code, but without a cohesive design for the entire complex, the result often looks chaotic, — the architect explained.
As a successful example of implementing a design code, he highlighted the globally renowned Coral Gables district in Miami, known for its unique architecture, green boulevards, and carefully curated urban spaces. The Coral Gables design code specifies everything—from the color palette and architectural styles to detailed elements like staircases. All projects undergo thorough review by the city’s planning board.
— That’s why I believe it is crucial for Kazakhstan’s urban planning councils to expand their authority. They should not only check projects for compliance with basic regulations but also evaluate them against the design code. The possibility of a project being rejected would serve as a strong motivation for designers to incorporate the design code’s requirements at the early stages of development, — the architect stated.
To further encourage property owners and design firms, he suggests implementing an incentive system and economic benefits. These could include rewards for high-quality landscaping, the use of advanced graphic solutions and signage, and the installation of innovative lighting systems.
Director of the AlmaU Urban Center, Zarina Dauletkan, points out that changes in Almaty’s urban environment began even before the introduction of the design code. The renovation of key streets, such as Panfilov, Abay Avenue, and other central areas (2017–2020), laid the foundation for creating a more comfortable and safer public space.
— At this stage, the goal is to evaluate the successful experiences gained through these transformations and extend them to other parts of the city. Implementing a design code or any legislative framework for creating a comfortable environment simplifies and, to some extent, speeds up the process of integrating these best practices into daily urban life, especially in residential areas far from the city center, — she noted. — While changes are happening, they are not yet noticeable to the general public. I believe the city needs more time. In the broader scope of urban development, a single year is not a critical period, — said Dauletkan.
She also emphasized that successfully implementing the design code in Almaty requires strict oversight by local authorities and relevant inspections. Public involvement is equally important, as active citizen participation in monitoring violations can make the process more transparent and effective. One example of such engagement could be the formation of local community groups that track and report non-compliance issues in the urban environment.
— A key element of successful implementation is informing and educating all stakeholders—entrepreneurs, builders, and architects—starting from their university education. This could include training sessions, consultations, awareness campaigns, and educational programs. Such initiatives would help professionals correctly interpret and apply tools like the design code in their work, ultimately improving the quality of the urban environment, — added the expert.
Is Almaty a Comfortable City?
— From the perspective of accessibility and quality of urban life, Almaty is not yet the most comfortable city. However, it is actively striving for change, which is a positive aspect. Still, any changes should have a clear justification and goal. First and foremost, I would emphasize the need to improve urban greenery, especially along roads and sidewalks. Additionally, attention should be given to the quality of pedestrian infrastructure and public transportation as a whole, particularly considering how such infrastructure impacts air quality and residents' health, — said Zarina Dauletkan.
One example of this effort is the "Green and Safe Streets" project:
— As part of this project, we studied how optimizing urban space can improve air quality. One of the solutions was transforming a parking lot at the corner of Panfilov and Kazhybek Bi streets into a weekend plaza. Another initiative was the development of an accessible sidewalk along Turgut Ozal Street, where part of the roadway was converted into a pedestrian zone.
It is worth noting that in December 2023, Almaty’s city council (maslikhat) approved the design code, which officially came into effect in March 2024.
📌 Source: Kazinform
