Expo 2017 | Future Energy

Energy of the Future

EXPO 2017 with the symbol of the Kazahkstan Pavillon proposes a landmark for the future of our planet. EXPO 2017 will become the center for innovation and inspiration. Brain Power and the Power of Nature, Growth and Transformation are key to the concept of the Energy of the Future.
The architectural masterplan is a new faszinating world to explore the potentials of our future environments. Indoor and outdoor attractions make the EXPO 2017 a unique experiences. Based on a cell structure the overall masterplan creates a bionic agenda. All EXPO 2017 buildings will develop around a central symbol and plaza with the buildings connected to it. Different heights of the structures develop according to programmatic requirements and give the EXPO 2017 its dynamic character.

The Symbol
Located in the center of Expo 2017 the Kazakhstan pavilion and the symbol celebrate the dynamics of the future. The symbol is a tower like a flower that anchors the EXPO 2017 site in the urban masterplan of Astana.

The Museums
The four museums are dedicated to thematic key issue in respect to the future of energy. Each program is placed inside an iconic building with a large cantilevering thematic roof structure. The roof can be explored by the visitors to get closer to the displayed nature of things and to enjoy a panoramic view over the EXPO2017.

The Pavilions
Participating countries will present their innovations in their pavilions placed along a boulevard around the symbol. Pavilions of the Nations are hosted inside larger halls which have a flexible interior layout to adjust to changing needs and spatial requirements.

The Stage
A large covered open-air arena activates the outdoor area of EXPO 2017 and the roof offers a skywalk to overlook the EXPO 2017.

Parking / Mobility
The overall masterplan is a green car free landscape with a lake around it. Cars access the main park level only in selected areas for drop off and loading. A mix of various mobility systems like shuttle busses, segways or bicylces will allow a better movement throughout the EXPO 2017 site.

Sustainability
The layout of the masterplan opens up towards the surrounding context and integrates nature and buildings. Sustainability parameters guide the landscaping and management of EXPO2017. The ventilation of the site, rain water management, natural light and green landscaping are important factors for the local climate.
EXPO2017 is adressing urgent topics related to a prosperous future like Natural Health, Material Reutilisation, Water Stewardship, Renewable Energy and Social Fairness.

Orientation / Transparency
The buildings are grouped like flower leaves around a central open plaza with the symbol that houses the Kasakhstan pavillon. Programmatic groupings of the buildings create zones of density and retreat. All buildings are connected to the central plaza. Orientation is easy.
Strategic openings in the building create transparency and visual connections between the interior of the building and the outside context. Views to the surrounding context guide the sculptural quality of the building.


Brief technical description of the structural design and materials used

Structure:
The interior of the buildings are based on an open floorplan with some core elements for special program. The flexibility of the interior organisation is achieved by a combination of steel and concrete structure with few columns. Future changes can easily be implemented.
The buildings and masterplan can be realized and adapted in phases.

Sustainabiliy:
The solidity of the outer skins support the energy balance of the buildings with an increased R-value at the building envelope. All sustainability parameters of the building include low energy use, natural daylight, passive solare gain, solar shading, natural ventilation, water saving, low energy embodied materials, recycable materials, reduction of site waste. Easy maintenance, safety and security are respected and part of the design.

Facade:
A glass and metall skin in various degrees of transparecy cover the entire building. The smoothness of the building shape is supported by the matt and shiny surfaces of the exterior.

Interior materials:
Different degrees of transparency articulate zones of separation and accessability. The life inside the buildings is visible through a glass skin, exposing its interactivity to the whole campus. Open areas are partly separated for closed off areas and individual work spaces. Accoustic controll is important in spaces for study and public zones.
All material will be attractive durable in good quality and with practical and low cost maintenance. Sound proofing will be achieved by soft material and perforated panels in wood and metal.
Wall coverings are a combination of wood, drywall and metall, sometimes perforated for accoustic requirements. Ceilings are combination of drywall, wood and metall ( perforated and grid metall panels ).


Installation / Building services

General:
The technical approach is to integrate the buildings services, together with the structure within the architecture. This is to reduce the amount of space required for installations and so optimizing the usage of space. The focus for building services is on minimizing capital costs and space, reducing running costs and maintenance during operation, and on reducing energy usage. The aim of the interior climate is to provide comfort. The shape and form of the building provide all the elements to create a good internal environment. Minimal sunlight is allowed in the gallery spaces, the thermal mass of the building helps to create a constant environment for the visitors and exhibits. The translucent openings in lobby atriums will be designed to allow diffuse light into the building to provide views and impressions of what is happening inside, but will also control heat gain from the sun.

Internal climate and building services for the museum:
The types of exhibitions which will be displayed don’t generally need to have environmental close control for conservation. This means the internal conditions are mainly focused on the comfort of visitors and on the exhibits. This enables systems to be used that reduce the amount of energy usage compared with normal museums. Furthermore rainwater is collected and used as grey water to flush toilets and possibly to irrigate the landscape. The main building will have a mechanical ventilation system in combination with natural ventilation. This system supplies fresh and conditioned air into the spaces from the main plant space.

Lighting for the museums and pavilions:
The development of a lighting system draws upon an understanding of display and people. Considering the fundamentals, an integrated controlled daylight and electric light system is proposed to meet both the functional requirements of the space and the desired atmosphere. Partially, natural light reveals true character, whereas electric light, although typically static, offers tremendous opportunities to dramatize the scene. Through a thoughtful integration of the lighting elements on a light track system, an atmosphere is created that inspires the visitor to explore, experience and learn.