DOSTYK PLAZA
Dostyk Plaza opened in 2014 as one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres in Almaty, the southern capital in Kazakhstan, phase 1 design by Benoy. Located in the lively eastern part of the city rather than in the west not far from the downtown at the junction of Zholdasbekov Street and Dostyk Avenue, since opening in 2014 the project has been a tremendous success.
10 years on DFA were tasked with delivering concept designs for two critical aspects of the Plaza's evolution: facade enhancements and internalizing the current external retail element of the mall. These designs will elevate the shopping centre's architectural presence and create a more engaging, versatile public space as well as unifying the arrival experience to the mall.
The transition at the street level becomes a defining moment within the arrival sequence, an opportunity to introduce a bold architectural gesture that signals and draws movement into the plaza.
In contrast to the fragmented architectural language of the existing building, a singular concave sweep is proposed, unifying the composition and establishing a coherent, fluid identity.
A range of architectural strategies were tested, including kinetic and retractable roof forms, to establish a flexible enclosure. This approach allows the space to operate as a protected internal environment while retaining the ability to open up in summer, embracing Almaty’s climate and activating the external realm.
The external plaza currently underperforms in terms of footfall. The proposal introduces a strong retail anchor to transform this space into a clear destination, pulling activity simultaneously from the city and the internal mall.
Views from Dostyk Avenue are reframed to celebrate the existing iconic restaurant, positioning it as a key moment within the arrival sequence and a focal point within the wider composition.
Internalising the space through a free-flowing ribbon form draws inspiration from the surrounding mountain ranges, echoing their layered and sculptural presence. The result is a distinctive architectural gesture, one that captures the beauty of the city’s natural backdrop and translates it into a cohesive, expressive facade.
Bar spaces follow the fluid lines of the ribbon band, which anchors the space itself. This continuous gesture weaves through the interior, creating a sense of movement and cohesion while guiding visitors intuitively through the environment.
Landscape zones are integrated with kiosk spaces, connected through a series of raised elements that provide informal seating and moments of pause. These features create a cohesive landscape, encouraging dwell time and reinforcing the relationship between retail and public realm.
Island greenery emerges from the ground plane as lifted areas of paving, forming sculpted landscape moments that punctuate the space and introduce softness within the urban setting.
Project Info
STATUS
CONCEPT DESIGN
TYPE
Retail / Cultural / Mixed Use
LOCATION
CLIENT
TS Developments
AREA
134,000 SQM
COORDINATES
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