Architectural Cases

In Almaty, Kazakhstan, a 1970s campus structure, originally built in 1978, has undergone a significant transformation into a cutting-edge executive education facility for Narxoz University Business School. This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by AGP Architects, involved a comprehensive overhaul, integrating modern spatial and structural elements while meticulously restoring the building's original design features, most notably its distinctive sawtooth roof. Through a process of careful demolition, structural strengthening, and strategic new additions, the building has been redefined as a vibrant and autonomous academic and public space within the larger university campus.

The building, which had previously served various functions including administrative offices and a cafeteria, had lost its architectural coherence due to an early 2000s rooftop extension that obscured its unique sawtooth profile. The renovation aimed not only to upgrade functionality but also to establish a strong institutional presence suitable for advanced professional education, intellectual exchange, and community engagement. The design team meticulously assessed the existing structure, identifying and removing non-compliant additions, which serendipitously unveiled the hidden sawtooth roof. Extensive archival research confirmed its historical significance, leading to its faithful restoration and reinterpretation as a central design element.

A key enhancement was the introduction of a new, transparent entrance volume, designed to improve visitor circulation and provide a clear point of access. This addition houses the main entrance, a welcoming reception area, a double-height lobby, and a panoramic elevator, collectively acting as a dynamic connection hub. The transparency of this new volume fosters a clear visual and functional relationship between the interior activities and the external campus environment, thereby emphasizing the building's public nature.

Inside, the multiple levels are thoughtfully organized to accommodate a variety of functions essential for executive education. State-of-the-art classrooms are complemented by flexible coworking zones, informal meeting areas, coffee points, and advanced video production facilities. In the basement, former storage areas have been reimagined as versatile halls suitable for events and exhibitions, benefiting from ample natural light through full-height glazing and a horizontal skylight integrated into the terrace above. This strategic use of space ensures a dynamic and adaptable learning environment.

A unified material palette, featuring standing-seam metal panels extending from the roof to the facade, reinforces the architectural rhythm of the sawtooth geometry and provides a cohesive, contemporary exterior. The choice of a subdued grey and white color scheme ensures visual harmony with the surrounding campus buildings, achieving a respectful dialogue without direct imitation. This material continuity bridges the historical and contemporary elements of the design.

This revitalization project successfully transforms an underutilized campus structure into a flexible and engaging educational and public platform. By restoring and reinterpreting a previously concealed architectural feature, AGP Architects has forged a clear connection between the building's historical layers and Narxoz University's evolving academic and cultural mission, creating a space that is both deeply rooted in its past and fully equipped for the future.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, a visionary project by Snøhetta, is steadily progressing in North Dakota's stunning Badlands, poised to become a landmark of sustainable architecture. This endeavor seamlessly blends innovative design with environmental responsibility, promising a regenerative and carbon-neutral future. As construction continues, the building's distinctive features, including its rammed earth walls and verdant green roof, are emerging, reflecting a profound commitment to its natural surroundings.

Construction Update: Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Integrates with Nature

In the expansive and scenic Badlands of Medora, North Dakota, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is witnessing significant construction advancements, as revealed in recent footage from Snøhetta. This architectural marvel, situated along the northeastern edge of a butte adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, is meticulously designed to integrate with the landscape rather than dominate it. The structure's rammed earth walls and living green roof are not merely aesthetic choices; they are integral components of its regenerative and self-sufficient design, targeting complete carbon neutrality.

Scheduled for a grand unveiling on July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States, the library spans an impressive 93 acres. The construction process thoughtfully preserves the site's natural contours, with graded pathways leading visitors towards a gently sloped roof plane that appears as a natural extension of the terrain. This living green roof, a centerpiece of the design, will eventually host over sixty native plant species, recreating the region's historic prairie ecology. This Native Plant Project, a collaborative effort with Resource Environmental Solutions and North Dakota State University, underscores the library's dedication to ecological restoration.

Inside the emerging structure, Snøhetta's vision for immersive storytelling and digital archives is becoming evident. Galleries and circulation spaces are being framed, incorporating advanced systems for sound control, light modulation, and climate stability crucial for preserving artifacts. The project champions passive design strategies and low-carbon materials, aiming for ambitious targets of zero energy, zero emissions, zero water, and zero waste. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is not just a building, but a testament to long-term performance and seasonal adaptability, harmoniously shaped by the unique environmental pressures of the North Dakota plains.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library offers a profound lesson in how architectural innovation can serve both human culture and the natural world. Its commitment to sustainability, from utilizing local materials like rammed earth to fostering a vibrant native ecosystem on its roof, sets a new benchmark for future public institutions. This project inspires us to envision a future where buildings actively contribute to ecological balance and integrate seamlessly with their environment, rather than existing as separate entities. It reminds us that thoughtful design can create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply respectful of our planet's delicate ecosystems.