Image courtesy of BICUADRO

The Kazakhstan National Pantheon by OCRA, Bicuadro and 3+1

The Kazakhstan National Pantheon will be built within a large natural environment surrounded by undeveloped land 17 km south of Astana. The design originates directly from an analyzation of its context. A series of walkways, paths, and strips connect the building to the landscape where it is located, metaphorically representing a patriotic attachment to the country. The Pantheon, measuring 55 meters high and 70 meters wide, is the core of the project.

Image courtesy of BICUADRO

The monument is strongly influenced by the Pantheon of Rome, the ancient temple of all the roman emperors. It was here, where ascensions were performed, ceremonies in which rulers, after death, were to be taken by the eagles and driven up into the sky to become gods. For this reason, the form required an oculus to be cut out at the top of the sphere. In correspondence, the structure shares similar characteristics. the combination of shapes configures a grand space where the center provides a strong focal point that is intended to serve as the burial plot of Kazakhstan’s most prominent heroes.

Image courtesy of BICUADRO

With respect to the various religions practiced throughout the country, the construct hopes to become a meeting point for all beliefs. The final result is a dynamic complex that appears as a “galaxy” when viewed from above with a surging energy of people flowing towards it. The circulation defines the programmatic dispersal of denominations. For example, catholics will come from west, which references Rome, the spiritual center of the catholicism, christian orthodoxes will come from the northwest direction of Moscow, jewish congregations will arrive from the southwest where Jerusalem resides, muslims will travel from Mecca, and buddhists will arrive from Tibet in the southeast.

Image courtesy of BICUADRO

The wide and symmetrical dome is made of a large collection of haloes that intersect each other. Several haloes are helicoidal ramps that allow a wide number of people to assist ceremonies by watching from above, where they have a panoramic view of both the interior space and outside landscape. From here, it is possible to observe the whole monument with light passing through the loops to enter the dome from all sides. The complex is completed by an administrative wing on the south side with offices and a restaurant court. Pedestrian corridors lead to the outdoor parking area and the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum.

more. www.3piu1.com| www.bicuadro.it