NomadicCity [hotel as a temporary network

NomadicCity

[hotel as a temporary network]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS As you plan a trip to Kazakhstan in 2017, leave the cookie cutter hotels behind and indulge in a truly unique nomadic experience in Central Asia

04...................................... 1.0 ABSTRACT 05...................................... 2.0 THESIS STATEMENT 06...................................... 3.0 RESEARCH 06..................................................... 3.1 Area of Focus Summary 07..................................................... 3.2 Literature Review 18..................................................... 3.3 Questions/Theoretical Issues Raised 19..................................................... 3.4 Architectural Issues 20..................................................... 3.5 Architectural Precedents 26...................................... 4.0 SITE AND CONTEXT ANALYSIS 26...................................................... 4.1 Annotated Aerial Photos and Maps 28...................................................... 4.2 Site Documentation 30...................................................... 4.3 Site Studies 32...................................... 5.0 PROGRAM 34...................................... 6.0 CONCEPTUAL DESIGN STUDIES 6.1 Studies/Devices Revealing Architectonic Ideas 38...................................... 7.0 CONCLUSIONS 40...................................... 8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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ABSTRACT

THESIS STATEMENT

1.0 ABSTRACT

Can a hotel be something different than a traditional building? Can it be a network in the city rather than one single construction? Or can it be reduced to a smaller space, like a single room, a pavilion, or …

2.0 THESIS STATEMENT

working title thesis statement

NomadicCity

[hotel as a temporary network]

Nomadism is increasingly relevant as practical solution to urgent building needs in the era of globalization and high mobility. Temporary architecture based on nomadic culture is well placed not only to save a wide range of architectural problems, but to do it better than more conventional responses.

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH

3.0 RESEARCH 3.1 AREA OF FOCUS SUMMARY The project explores alternatives to the traditional hotels that are becoming more and more similar around the world as the process of globalization grows. This research is inspired by the nomadic culture of Central Asia and examines many different aspects of nomadic lifestyle and nomadic structures. The following part identifies the problem posed by an international event and briefly describes the historic and cultural framework of the project. Events of the scale of Olympic Games or Expo world fairs pose a problem of urgent need in additional accommodation for large influx of visitors. However, the demand for more lodging is temporary (especially in less touristic destinations), but we tend to respond by building more traditional permanent structures. In some cases these new buildings become extremely underutilized or even completely abandoned later and are often an economic burden to the local economy. Mobility, resourcefulness, and efficiency of nomadic communities of the past could be a source of inspiration and set of guides for new architectural alternatives to conventional hotels.

3.2 LITERATURE REVIEW Location. The location of this project might be a mystery for many people and especially at the Western world. This fact is not surprising – the country [Kazakhstan] received its independence less than 25 years ago. The Iron Curtain of the Soviet Union kept most of its history under a dark shadow. Today Kazakhstan is an ambitious young country striving to get international recognition and, more importantly, reestablish its national identity. Territory. Kazakhstan lies in the heart of Eurasian continent, northern part of central Asian countries sharing its border with Russia in the north and China in the east. It is the largest landlocked country and the 9th largest territory in the world (as big as the western Europe). In contrast to the vast land, its population density is among the lowest and the total population is only 18 million.

Russia

Kazakhstan United States

15 hrs [nonstop]

China

Google map. Kazakhstan

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH

Historic Overview. Kazakhstan – is a former nomadic civilization, starting anew and rebuilding its identity after decades under Soviet rule. It is a young nation aiming to become a key player in Central Asia. In 2017, Kazakhstan is hosting the largest event so far - Expo World Fair. While this is a boost to the country’s development and international reputation, the infrastructure is not adequate. Lack of accommodation presents one of the major challenges.

Kazakh Khanate XV - XIX centuries

USSR 1920 - 1991

Republic of Kazakhstan since 1991

Nomadic Civilization

Socialist Regime

Independent nation

Emergence of distinct Kazakh identity, formation of language and culture

Industrialization and construction. Soviet ideology, suppression of culture

Rebuilding national identity Building a modern state

Free people of the great steppe

Soviet people

Citizens of new Kazakhstan

Independent Kazakhstan. On December 16, 1991 Kazakhstan broke from Moscow and declared its independence. The process of shedding the Soviet Union and starting anew as the democratic Republic of Kazakhstan is made difficult by the fact that a large percentage of Kazakhstan is not Kazakh. Many of the non-Kazakh ethnic groups have met attempts by the Kazakh government to make Kazakh the central, dominant culture of the country with great disdain and quiet, nonviolent resistance. In addition, the traditional Kazakh culture has been diversified during the Soviet years by multiethnic fusion and suppression of cultural identity. The picture is further complicated by the extreme economic situation of the country in 1990’s and most of the population struggling (out of work and below poverty line). Kazakh nationalism has been unpopular with many non-Kazakhs and thousands have left as a result, but the government kept its course. Streets and schools have been renamed, statues of Lenin taken down (they existed in practically every city), the national anthem and flag changed, old Soviet holidays forgotten, and new Kazakh holidays promoted. However, these seventy years seem to have had a profound and long-lasting effect on these formerly nomadic people. The struggle for reviving the national and cultural identity is still one of the major missions of today’s Kazakhstan. Some truly positive changes were accomplished, but the process of nationalization and cultural revival was skewed by the aspiration to be modern and keep up with the rest of the world (particularly, the Western civilization). This pursuit of modern is well illustrated in architectural outlook of the country. Architecture always represents the development of the state, of technology and of culture. As a former nomadic civilization, Kazakhstan hadn’t had architecture with the exceptions of couple major Mosques in the southern part of the country. Principal architectural development happened during the Soviet era. Hard work and unity were the major themes of the socialism and the architecture from that period is a large reflection of that. Most of the buildings constructed during this period were big and utilitarian. Hospitals, schools, post offices, banks, and government buildings went up from Moscow to Almaty (capital at the time) in basically the same shape, size, and color. The materials used were usually just as rough, with concrete and brick being the most common. Large Soviet apartment blocks went up in all of the cities across Kazakhstan. Arranged in small districts they were absolutely identical, as the majority of Soviet architecture. As a result, cities are practically indistinguishable. Times have certainly changed, as has the architecture in these post-Soviet days of independence. A lot of old buildings still exist – obsolete apartment blocks still accommodate majority of the population and most governmental elements still occupy buildings of their Soviet comrades. This picture is complicated and contrasted by the introduction of new buildings and new wealth of Kazakhstan. Oil money, foreign investments, and a new management approach have created a whole new style in Kazakhstan. Big cities Almaty (former capital) and Astana (new capital) have five-star high-rise hotels, casinos, Turkish fast food restaurants, and American steak houses.

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH

What is Expo? Expo is a global event that aims at educating the public, sharing innovation, promoting progress and fostering cooperation. Expos offer a multifaceted event where extraordinary exhibitions, diplomatic encounters, business meetings, public debates and live shows take place at the same time. It is one of three largest events among Olympics and World Cup. (www.bie-paris.org) Architecture plays an important role at the World Fairs. The host cities strive to erect some outstanding, unique buildings that would become a symbolic expression of modernity, technological progress, and outspokenness and get recognizable all over the world. Each participating country builds a pavilion on the exhibition land provided by the host, where they demonstrate innovations, culture, architecture, etc. for all the visitors. Most of the structures are temporary that are dismantled after the fair closes. However, often these pavilions introduce a broader idea that could be applied elsewhere. Sometimes these pavilions are even transported or rebuilt in other places. Some of them, initially intended to be temporary, stay permanently to symbolize progressive and revolutionary achievements of the humankind. Expo sites are usually further developed and become recreational parks, new city districts, educational and learning facilities, or adapted for other uses.

EXPO 2017 Astana. Host city is the capital of Kazakhstan - Astana. The time frame of the Expo 2017 is from June 10th to September 10th. Dedicating this International Exposition to the theme of Future Energy is extremely relevant in the context of Kazakhstan’s development as an oil-based economy. Addressing the issues of energy efficiency and alternatives on Expo will be a major step towards sustainable energy in the country and the region. While Expo presents an opportunity to advance development and introduce the country to a wider public, hosting an event of this scale poses many problems for such young state. One of the major issues is the lack of accommodation. This problem is further complicated by the fact that Astana already has more than enough hotels for its everyday business and cycle. Residential and commercial segments have several large-scale projects underway and the market is currently slightly overbuilt. Astana Expo City 2017. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

“One example where experimental building can have a significant impact is the Expo, a regular international showcase of commerce and industry that is held in a different country each time.” - Robert Kronenburg

1 person per room

Number of EXPO visitors

Eiffel Tower, Expo 1889, Paris

Barcelona Pavilion, Expo 1929, Barcelona

2 persons per room

stay length 1

Previous Expo world fairs

Crystal Palace, Expo 1851, London - 1st Expo

Calculated by Colliers International for Forbes.kz

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7

2,000,000

21,739 65,217

108,696

152,174

5,000,000

54,348 163,043 271,739

380,435

8,000,000

86,957 260,870 434,783

608,696

Number of EXPO guests

stay length 1

3

5

v

2,000,000

10,870 32,609

54,348

76,087

5,000,000

27,174 81,522

135,870

190,217

8,000,000

43,478 130,435 217,391

304,348

Astana is expecting around 2-4 million guests over the Expo summer. The most minimalistic calculations show that there should be at least 10,870 hotel rooms (2 million guests staying for 1 day in double rooms over 92 days). Counting existing and all the approved hotel projects Astana will have 1944 hotel rooms by 2017. A portion of guests will be locals who do not need hotel accommodation. Partially, problem could be solved by using, for example, student residences of the Nazarbayev University or leasing apartments by owners through popular Airbnb system. However, above wouldn’t provide enough lodging for everyone.

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RESEARCH

Astana - capital of Kazakhstan since 1997 19 years ago, when Kazakhstan moved its capital here, the city of Astana didn’t really exist. Back then it was a small town in the middle of vast steppe called Akmola, known as a former ALZHIR prison camp for the wives of Soviet traitors. The town consisted mostly of Soviet-style block buildings, grim remnants of the country’s past. The transfer of the capital was conditioned by several factors – previous capital in the southeast of the country, Almaty, was prone to earthquakes, too congested and too close to the Chinese border. Kazakhstan’s need to strengthen its hold on the north part of the country with its large number of ethnic Russians made it logical from a strategic point of view. Most importantly, the new capital was supposed to symbolize the development of a new nation and a new cultural identity. After years of rapid economic growth fueled by oil and gas riches, the skyline of Astana is now punctuated by gleaming skyscrapers and Western-style shopping malls. The city has become a hotbed for architectural experimentation, attracting big names like Norman Foster, Manfredi Nicoletti, and Kisho Kurokawa (city master plan). Emblematic of Astana’s rise, the tallest skyscraper in Central Asia is currently under construction here (Abu-Dhabi Plaza, HKR Architects).

Astana - the symbol of new Kazakhstan. Its skyline grows more fantastical by the years as landmark buildings, many of them by leading international architects, sprout in a variety of Asian, Western, Soviet, and wacky futuristic styles (Moore, 2010) Much of its modern architecture is striking in its scale and design, especially in contrast to the vast, open steppes that surround it. Some have dubbed Astana the “Dubai of the steppe”.

ASTANA 2002

ASTANA TODAY

ASTANA 2000

Bayterek, symbol of new beginning

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Norman Foster

Abu Dhabi Plaza, HKR Architects (2016)

City was built in 15 years

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH

Abandoned Architecture. There are many examples when new buildings were built in already oversaturated market in order to accommodate a single event. One of the most recent cases is Sochi, Russia that hosted Winter Olympics in 2014. The entire district constructed for Olympic Village became a ghost town. There simply weren’t enough people to inhabit the new structures after the event.

Nomad. Late 16th century: from French nomade, via Latin from Greek nomas, nomad – “roaming in search of pasture”, from the base of nemein – “to pasture”. 1550s, from Middle French nomade, from Greek nomas (plural nomades) – “roaming, roving, wandering” (to find pastures for flocks or herds). Definition in English A member of a people having no permanent abode, and who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock. A person who doesn’t stay long in the same place; a wanderer. (www.dictionary.com) Nomads travel following a seasonal pattern within a certain territory. They usually set up camps near sufficient sources of fresh water (lakes and rivers) and grazing land.

The Tulip Inn Hotel (left), Adler Arena (centre) and Fisht Stadium (right), amid one of the many empty car parks of the Sochi Olympic complex

Some of the buildings were never completed

A view of the eerily silent lobby of the Tulip Inn hotel, which was packed with guests during the games but barely has a single customer now

No signs of life

It’s dead silent in this abandoned Sochi ghost town, which may look like a populous city from afar.

An empty bus stop and an empty “Bridge Resort” hotel at the background

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH

Nomadic Culture. Livestock was the ultimate source of life. The way Kazakh nomads lived is called nomadic pastoralism. It means that they moved to find fresh pastures for their animals to graze on. Most of the land is a vast open steppe and the climate is really harsh. This makes farming extremely difficult to sustain without bringing water from far distances. Nomadic pastoralism is an adaptation to the extreme conditions of the steppe. Kazakhs usually had two larger migrations a year – to summer and winter pasturelands. A group consisting of several families moved within a certain territory that belonged to them. This continual mobility allowed them not to overwhelm the land and keep it intact. This made nomadic communities highly sustainable.

The sense of community was essential for nomads’ survival in these harsh conditions. Members of a group heavily relied on each other and shared their resources. For example, Kazakhs always shared their food with everyone in the camp. It strengthened the social bonds and eliminated any food waste since they couldn’t preserve it. Hospitality was another trait that set apart the Kazakh nomads. A stranger could walk in to any house and the host couldn’t refuse him to stay. He would provide food, a bed to sleep overnight and take care of the guest’s horse. Nomads produced most of what they needed in everyday life. They were very efficient as they used every part of an animal without wasting anything. For nomads horses were the center of life. In an unforgiving climate and a seemingly endless land, horses provided transport and labor. They also provided leather, tools, milk and meat. In time they became staples of commerce and instruments of war.

Winter transhumance

Nomadic village moving to a new pastureland

Nomads on move

People eating together in a yurt

A family greeting guests outside their yurt

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RESEARCH

3.3 QUESTIONS/THEORETICAL ISSUES RAISED We live in a highly connected and highly mobile world. Is it going to be an opportunity to find unconventional and unexplored design solutions in the field of architecture, or is it another aspect of the creeping globalization that will eventually make everywhere uncannily similar to everywhere else? This project is driven by two central questions: -

What will happen to new hotels after Expo ends?

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Can a hotel be something different than a traditional building?

Astana does need more hotel rooms to accommodate all the Expo 2017 guests, but what will happen to these new structures after Expo leaves? Do we have to build another Hilton or Marriott hotel, which might become an enormous waste of resources later? Or could this Expo become a platform for architectural exploration that will offer an unique experience of authentic nomadic culture and at the same time provide a practical alternative to conventional hotel?

RESEARCH

3.4 ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES An architectural alternative to traditional form of lodging is much needed as the mobility of people grows and world becomes more connected. This thesis project aims to explore different aspects of nomadic lifestyle and the potential of temporary architecture. Looking at the design problem through the prism of nomadic culture makes us reevaluate the core principles of traditional buildings and the function of conventional hotels. Can we reach similar level of efficiency in modern structures that nomadic yurts possessed? Could this minimalistic approach to accommodation work in the modern consumer society? How do we create a building of ephemeral and reusable nature that also express a strong cultural and technological statement?

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH

3.5 ARCHITECTURAL PRECEDENTS Yurt is the traditional dwelling place of pastoral nomads of Central Asia. Yurts are portable, sturdy, round felt-covered tents. A nomadic family can setup one yurt within a matter of 4-5 hours. The walls of yurt are made of wooden latticework and the roof of curved poles that run from latticework to a central circular wooden piece up above. This circular opening provides an outlet for smoke as well as the entrance of sunlight. The yurt is central to nomads in Kazakhstan; it provides a place to eat, sleep, host guests, and provides protection from elements.

“A nomad camp isn’t like an aircraft carrier. It adds up to a huge thing, but it consists of many independent pieces that are small enough to be picked up by people and put on horses. This doesn’t mean that its pattern can’t persist over time, since the pieces can then be put down again, in the same spatial relationships, in a new place. It’s a much more convincing example of a walking city than that proposed by 60’s pop theoreticians and designers Archigram.” - Jennifer Siegal The total weight of a furnished yurt is about 700-900 pounds - load capacity of one camel

inside a yurt

starting with walls and doors

placing roof poles

roof poles in place

placing thin inner cover on the roof

adding felt cover

adding the outer cover

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RESEARCH

Burning Man. The Burning Man started as burning an 8-foot tall figure on the beach of San-Francisco, which attracted some people to gather around it. Today it became a huge event that attracts tens of thousands of people who gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create a Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to celebrates community, art, self-expression and self-reliance. The wooden figure, the Burning Man, grew much larger and still is the main symbol of the event. It lasts for a week at the end of August. (burningman.org)

RESEARCH

One of the major missions of the Black Rock City is to leave no trace behind after the event and restore the site to its condition prior to the Burning Man. The “Moop Map” is the Burning Man’s Leave No Trace record each year. All participants pick up after themselves and at the end a specially organized group cleans all that remained and creates this map.

Shape of the Black Rock City The original form of the camp was a circle. It wasn’t particularly planned, but formed instinctively from the traditional campfire circle and the urge to “circle the wagons” against the nearby boundless space. The circular layout is organized in a way to provide easier navigation for the “burners”. The front part of the circle is No Man’s Land zone that was established to preserve the view of Burning Man. (burningman.org) “A circular temporary city plan built around the spectacle of art, music and dance: I wish all cities had such a spirit of utopia by being built around human interaction, community, and participation.” (burningman.org)

Moop Map 2014 Burning Man

Layout of a camp at the Black Rock City

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RESEARCH

The Grange Fair is an annual fair and camping event since 1874. The fair is usually held at the last full week of August and lasts for 8 days. Thousands live in tents or RVs. The event has grown to include 1,000 tents and 1,500 RVs. Tenters build kitchens and front porches. These tents have many amenities and comfort of a “real” house – mini-fridges, computers, mini-kitchens, furniture, etc. Some campers add personalization to their space. The fair includes rides, food, bingo, animal shows, livestock contests, and concerts.

RESEARCH

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SITE

SITE Nazarbayev University Campus

4.0 SITE AND CONTEXT ANALYSIS

Expo 2017 Site

Astana

4.1 ANNOTATED AERIAL PHOTOS OR MAPS OF SITE

Residential (mostly two storey)

Nazarbayev Intellectual School

Major Sport Facilities

Nazarbayev University

Hospital Expo 2017 Site Ishim River

Astana NomadicCity Site Kazakhstan

Google map, Astana

NomadicCity Site

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SITE

SITE

4.2 SITE DOCUMENTATION

ASTANA - A CITY IN THE STEPPE

“These projects would have taxed the mind of many a high-end contractor, and in Kazakhstan, they have to address the same problems in a much harder climate.” Neil Billett, engineering consultant of Norman Foster firm

Astana has a well-deserved reputation among Kazakhs for its frequent high winds, the effects of which are felt particularly strongly on the fast-developing but relatively exposed Left Bank area of the city.

Astana has a humid continental climate, bordering on a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and winters are very long and cold. Summer temperatures occasionally rich 95 F, while in winter –30 F is not unusual.

“Much of its modern architecture is striking in its scale and design, especially in contrast to the vast, open steppes that surround it.”

Wind direction 7% 11 % 10 % 10 % 20 % 21 % 14 % 6%

N NE E SE S SW W NW

Daisy Carrington, CNN

Astana is in a spacious steppe landscape. This very flat terrain exposes the city to winds.

windalert.com

Average Temperature (f graph for Astana)

Average Rainfall (inches graph for Astana)

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18 1

Avg High Tem

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

-25

Precipitation (inches)

29

1.5

10

1

5

0.5

0

0

Avg Low Tem worldweatheronline.com

Avg Rainfall Days

Precipitation

December

30

15

November

30

2

October

41

20

September

51

August

-3

44

52

July

-3

54

2.5

June

15

65 57

25

May

0

13

76

April

28 25

80

March

52

50

78

3

February

69

30

January

75

Average Rainfall Days

100 Temperature (f)

28

Percent of windy days per month 0

25%

January City in the middle of the vast steppe

February March April May June July August September October November December windalert.com

50%

75%

100%

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SITE

SITE

4.3 SITE STUDIES Astana is located along Ishim River, which splits the city into two. The old city (the Right Bank), on the northern side of the river, is mostly represented by the Soviet era architecture. 7/8 of the population lives in these densely populated mostly residential part of the city. The new city, known as the Left Bank, is on the northern side of the river. The Left Bank experienced most of the construction boom since Astana was declared the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997. This is the part of the city that represents Astana’s development with its futuristic skyline shooting up from the void of flat, empty expanse grassland. The dramatic difference in architectural context of the Left and Right banks is depicted in the images below. The Right bank has narrower streets, Soviet style identical apartment blocks and greyish looking building assembly. The Left Bank is the opposite of identical – every building is almost screaming, “Look at me!”

Left bank, new city

Right bank, old city

The project’s site is located right next to the Expo. It is an empty flat block on the outskirt of the Left bank. The area has several objects of national importance and potentially will become one of the most beautiful, prestigious, and exciting districts in a near future. Astana is expanding very fast and Expo site is one of the crucial elements that will add to the impressive architectural assembly of the city. Nazarbayev University – another point of pride of Kazakhs. Arguably the best school in the nation with foreign academics in most of its departments. It is situated right across the street from the Expo site, which is not a mere coincidence. The city is planning to adapt some of the Expo buildings for the educational and learning purposes and give them to the university.

Nazarbayev University Campus

Residential (mostly 1 storey) EXPO

Nazarbayev Intellectual School

SITE

11 m

Astana International Airport – is another advantage for the hotel guest. It takes only 11 minutes to drive to the airport since the site is located right next to the highway.

Major Sport Facilities

in e id

rr

ca Astana International Airport

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PROGRAM

PROGRAM

5.0 PROGRAM 5 NomadicCity

[Hotel as a temporary network] 2

Hotel, noun A building where you pay to have a room to sleep in, and where you can sometimes get extra services.

NomadicCity is a hotel network consisting of two main elements – Living Units and Communal Facilities. Living Unit is a circular structure based on the yurt shape. The circle is divided into 4 segments – 3 of them are separate rooms (every room is roughly 140 sqf); 1 left open as the entry point and open terrace for guests, where they can gather around a fire pit and socialize. The Living Units are primarily for rest and sleep and are equipped with solar power systems for lighting and battery charging. Every unit is also provided with fresh spring water delivered every day for drinking. Doors to every room are securely locked. Communal facility offers the main services such as: showers, bathrooms, laundry, etc. Water is delivered every day by water trucks and the sewage holding tanks are also managed by service vehicles. For faster and easier navigation around the hotel area there are bike rental stations.

1 - Living Unit 2 - Communal Facility 3 - Bike Racks 4 - Temporary paving for pedestrians and bikers 5 - Temporary paving for service vehicles

3 1 4 3

4 1

NomadicCity, Site Plan

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CONCEPT

CONCEPT

6.0 CONCEPTUAL\PRELIMINARY DESIGN STUDIES 6.1 STUDIES\DEVICES REVEALING ARCHITECTURAL IDEAS Many different aspects of nomadic lifestyle inspired this design exploration for an alternative to traditional hotels. The main set of guides was set primarily by the yurt – nomadic dwelling that was refined through centuries; and the meaning of the yurt for the nomadic community.

Nomad 1 [Foldable Hotel]

Portability of the yurt. A hotel that could be flatpacked and shipped to any destination and effortlessly folded back up.

Nomad 2 [Lightweight]

Yurts were lightweight and could be transported by a single camel. Paper tubes were to become the main structural element that will reduce the weight and provide easily accessible and recyclable material

Nomad 3 [Walking City]

Mobility of the nomads. Nomadic communities were a much more convincing example of walking city than the one proposed by the popular group Archigram

“While the evolution of high-tech gadgets – cellphones, laptops, PDAs, the internet – has done much to boost our means of communication, our conventional ways of building and dwelling have yet to be brought into generation mobile.” - Jennifer Siegal

Nomad 4 [Emerging City]

Nomads chose specific sites for their camps, which they almost never changed. Every year around the same time a “city” will emerge on that site. The proposal is to build permanent campgrounds with infrastructural cores that will emerge from the ground whenever they are needed. Then, temporary structures will be built around these cores.

NomadicCity [Hotel as a temporary network]

Nomadic camps can be seen as “temporary cities” with an entire network created to allow the community to function. The entire city traveled from place to place, but the network always functioned

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CONCEPT

CONCEPT

NomadicCity [Hotel as a temporary network]

NomadicCity [Hotel as a temporary network]

Living Unit, Plan

Living Unit, Section

Living Unit, Elevation

Living Unit, Elevation

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CONCLUSIONS

7.0 CONCLUSIONS

Kazakhstan positions its capital, Astana, as the heart of Eurasia, a place where East meets West, and a mixture of styles is quite appropriate. At the same time, Kazakhstan is a nomadic civilization that developed over thousands of years in the vast expanse of Eurasia and its heritage should not be abandoned. Traditional nomadism might be a thing of the past, but it is being replaced by a new urban nomadism in the context of our connected globalized society. Expo 2017 is the educational platform where Kazakhstan can share not only its cuisine and music, but make a contribution to architectural development using its rich nomadic past. Temporary architecture has a potential to be a solution for immediate building needs in various contexts. These might range greatly from events like Olympics and World Expos to the urgent needs of political and environmental refugees. Adaptability and flexibility of nomadic communities are the essence of this research and understanding it will allow further developing the idea of temporary architecture. An important note is that this thesis work is not an attempt to offer a final product, but rather exploration of exciting unconventional design solutions. Throughout almost a year of design investigation, my project went in many different directions and NomadicCity is only a point where I am stopping to report my findings so far. The topic of temporary architecture is not new, but is certainly severely underdeveloped and almost neglected. I believe that we can learn a lot from nomadic culture of our ancestors and especially the way we build and plan our cities.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY Philip Drew. New Tent Architecture. Thames & Hudson. 2008. Print. Andrew Heben. Tent City Urbanism: from self-organized camps to tiny house villages. Eugene, Oregon. 2014. Print. Robert Kronenburg. Architecture in motion: the history and development of portable building. Routledge, New York. 2014. Print. Jennifer Siegal. More Mobile. Portable Architecture for Today. Princeton Architectural Press, New York. 2008. Print. Sven Ehmann, Robert Klanten, Michelle Galindo, and Sofia Borges. The New Nomads. Temporary Spaces and a Life on the Move. Gestalten, Berlin. 2015. Print. Robert Kronenburg. Flexible. Architecture that responds to change. Laurence King Publishing Ltd, London. 2007. Print. Georgi Kantchev. In Kazakhstan, a shimmering skyline on the steppe. New York Times. August 21, 2014. Web. October 2, 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/22/arts/international/In-Astana-Kazakhstan-a-Shimmering-Skyline-on-the-Steppe.html Rowan Moore. Astana, Kazakhstan: the space station in the steppes. The Guardian. August 2010. Web. October 1, 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/aug/08/astana-kazakhstan-space-station-steppes Assel Musabekova. How many hotels does Kazakhstan need for Expo 2017? Forbes.kz. Web. July 29, 2015. http://forbes.kz/process/property/skolko_oteley_nujno_kazahstanu_dlya_expo-2017 Daisy Carrington. Astana: the World’s weirdest capital. CNN. July 13, 2012. Web. September 30, 2015 Bureau International des Expositions. Official website. http://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/expos/past-expos/expo-timeline/2010-shanghai Expo 2017 Astana Official Website. www.expo2017astana.com Burning Man official website. http://burningman.org/ Official Website of Astana. www.astana.gov Central Asia Resources. http://www.centralasia.com.au/kazakhstan.asp