Revitalization of a 1970s Campus Building into a Modern Educational Facility in Almaty
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.