Nur-Sultan, Teknopark Reference Plan
Year
2020
Project team
Oscar McDonald
José Luis Krug
Partners
Expedition Engineering
Gustafson Porter + Bowman
MIC
Client
Astana Gen Plan
Teknopark presents an opportunity to redefine how underused brownfield sites can support the city’s long-term growth. In doing so, the city can create a pilot project for private sector-led redevelopment, illustrating a set of principles and processes that should be followed across other redevelopment areas to deliver the city’s vision.
As part of the Astana 2030 Masterplan (created by Space Syntax) the project proposes the transformation of an ex-industrial area – currently defined by deteriorating warehouses, low pedestrian activity and fragmented land ownership – into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood aligned with the city’s goals for liveability, sustainability and health.
Strategically located close to the historic centre but disconnected from the rest of the city due to rail infrastructure, Teknopark sits adjacent to areas designated in the 2030 Plan for clean industry and innovation. With declining industrial uses and public realm challenges, combined with significant potential, the site is well-positioned to pilot new urban design principles.
Space Syntax led the design and development of an urban plan that reimagines Teknopark as a climate-resilient, socially inclusive and energy-efficient district – using a process grounded in digital modelling, land use strategy, urban morphology and implementation planning.
The design restructured the area’s street network to integrate it with the wider city, while retaining existing plot boundaries, also introducing a hierarchy of public spaces and creating urban blocks that balance high density with high quality of life.
Street typologies were developed to incorporate snow storage, SUDS and low-energy infrastructure from the outset. Passive energy design and renewable energy potential were embedded in the approach – with wind and solar analysis used to shape massing and orientation, ensuring comfortable microclimates year-round. Principles for sustainable energy generation and efficient ambient loop heating and cooling were also integrated.
To support deliverability, we worked with existing land ownership, defined a phased delivery approach and provided a toolkit of typologies to follow. A plot-based structure allows for multiple developers, while public realm principles ensure coherence. A material recovery strategy also reduces waste and supports the circular economy in connection with the adjacent clean industry zone.
Teknopark transforms a neglected industrial site into a walkable, mixed-use district that supports sustainable living and healthy urban growth. It more than doubles the existing population within a compact footprint, integrating housing, retail, green space and community infrastructure into a connected street network.
Designed for flexibility and phased delivery, the plan enables a range of developers to contribute while maintaining a consistent urban character. Energy-efficient buildings, low-carbon infrastructure and public realm improvements help reduce emissions, improve comfort and support climate resilience.
The plan includes a delivery model that balances private investment with public benefit, showing how spatial planning can support national policy goals.
As a pilot for private-led redevelopment, Teknopark sets a benchmark for inclusive, sustainable brownfield regeneration.
Further information
Space Syntax Studio page
Details of our work leading the planning and design of buildings and urban areas.
