Shymkent Plaza
Currently the most popular building in the city. A new spatial experience crafted to retain this title.
Shymkent Plaza, a premier shopping and lifestyle destination in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, phase 1 design by Benoy, has rapidly become a key feature of the city’s vibrant urban landscape since its opening in 2017. Located at the bustling intersection of Askarov Street and Tarmirlan Taszholy, adjacent to the popular Alfari Square, the Plaza benefits from high foot traffic and strong connections to Shymkent’s main road network. Its proximity to cultural landmarks such as the “Fantasy World Park,” the main theatre, and major parks like “Central Park” and “Abai Park” further elevates its appeal as both a retail and recreational hub.
Inspired by Kazgurt Mountain Range: Phase 2 of the architectural design draws inspiration from the nearby Kazgurt mountain range, integrating textures, tones, and geometric forms that reflect the region’s natural beauty. This approach creates a dynamic environment that evolves with the changing light throughout the day.
Sectionally, the space responds to the existing mall void in a tighter, more controlled form that stitches seamlessly into the retail loop. A sequence of compact corridors is threaded together, guiding movement through the scheme while maintaining a sense of compression and release. Overhead, the folding soffit unifies these spaces, wrapping down into the circulation routes to create a continuous architectural language that draws people through the interior.
The folding geometry creates a seamless transition of space and scale, mediating between the existing fabric and the new intervention. It acts as a unifying device, softening thresholds, stitching old and new together, and allowing the architecture to flow as a continuous, cohesive experience.
Project Expansion and Design Focus: With Shymkent Plaza’s success driving the need for expansion, the goal is to incorporate new retail offerings, including a prominent Zara store from the Inditex Group, to enhance the Plaza’s retail loop and draw even more visitors. This extension is being meticulously designed within the constraints of the site and budget, focusing on a few key design elements to maximize impact.
The colour palette and textures evoke a sense of rustic elegance and vintage charm, blending earthy tones with deep, cool hues.
Innovative Soffit Design: A standout feature of the design is the innovative soffit, crafted from recycled aluminum panels. This element is crucial not only for its aesthetic contribution but also for housing essential energy systems. The soffit design integrates seamlessly with structural columns and glazing mullions, fostering a sense of continuity and harmony. It also channels natural light onto the shopfronts, enhancing the space’s vibrancy and making it more inviting.
Cultural and Functional Harmony: The soffit’s design evokes the protective and communal qualities of a traditional yurt, bridging cultural references with modern architecture. This thoughtful integration supports both functional needs and the Plaza’s identity, providing a cohesive and engaging experience for visitors.
The upcoming expansion is set to anchor the Plaza with a range of leading global brands, including the flagship Zara store. The design merges contemporary architecture with practical functionality, ensuring a memorable experience for shoppers and setting a new benchmark for retail excellence in Shymkent. As the project progresses into its technical stages, the focus remains on delivering a sophisticated and culturally resonant space that will continue to define Shymkent Plaza as a premier destination for retail and lifestyle in the city.
Project Info
STATUS
COMPLETED, 2023
TYPE
Retail / Cultural
LOCATION
CLIENT
TS Developments
AREA
64,000 m²
COORDINATES
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