1970s Campus Building Reimagined as Education Hub in Almaty
Narxoz University Business School in Almaty, Kazakhstan, repurposes a former Soviet-era campus building into a contemporary facility for executive education. The project, designed by AGP Architects – Astana Grazhdan Proekt, adapts an existing structure from 1978, introducing new spatial and structural systems while restoring key architectural features, most notably the original sawtooth roof. Through selective demolition, structural reinforcement, and targeted additions, the building is redefined as an independent academic and public environment within the university campus.
The original building had served multiple functions over time, including administrative offices and a cafeteria. A rooftop extension added in the early 2000s altered the building’s proportions and obscured the sawtooth roof, resulting in a visually heavy form that lacked a clear architectural identity. The renovation brief extended beyond functional upgrading, aiming to establish a distinct institutional presence suitable for professional education, exchange, and public engagement.
all images by Damir Otegen
campus Structural Reconfiguration and a New Circulation Core
Working within the constraints of the existing structure required careful attention to height limitations, load-bearing capacity, and seismic regulations. Structural assessments identified non-compliance in the added upper floor, necessitating its removal. This process revealed the concealed sawtooth roof, which was subsequently identified through archival research and on-site analysis as a defining feature of the original design. The dismantled level was reconstructed using a new structural system that allowed the sawtooth profile to be preserved and reinterpreted as a central architectural element.
The design team at AGP Architects – Astana Grazhdan Proekt introduced a new attached entrance volume to clarify circulation and provide a visible point of access. This addition contains the main entrance, reception, a double-height lobby, and a panoramic elevator, functioning as a spatial connector and communication hub. The transparent volume establishes a clear relationship between interior activity and the campus environment, reinforcing the building’s public character.
Interior spaces are organized across multiple levels, combining classrooms equipped for executive education with coworking areas, informal meeting spaces, coffee points, and video production facilities. In the basement, former storage areas were converted into flexible halls for events and exhibitions. These spaces receive natural light through full-height glazing and a horizontal skylight integrated into the terrace above.
Reinterpreting Architectural Heritage Through Material Unity
Material continuity is used to unify existing and new elements. Standing-seam metal panels extend from the roof to the facade, accentuating the rhythm of the sawtooth geometry and providing a consistent contemporary envelope. A restrained palette of grey and white maintains visual continuity with surrounding campus buildings while avoiding direct replication.
Through the restoration and reinterpretation of a previously obscured architectural feature, the project transforms an underutilized campus structure into a flexible educational and public platform. The intervention by AGP Architects – Astana Grazhdan Proekt establishes a clear connection between the building’s historical layers and Narxoz University’s evolving academic and cultural role.
a restrained palette of grey and white tones maintains a visual dialogue with the main university buildings
the rebuilt upper level preserves the sawtooth profile using a new structural system
the new building houses the main entrance, reception area, double-height lobby, and panoramic elevator
newly introduced skylights bring daylight into the interior spaces
standing-seam metal panels transition from roof to facade, ensuring volumetric continuity
the skylight defines a naturally lit circulation and study area
light becomes part of the architectural form, shaping the space through ceiling geometry and integrated fixtures
the space is organized as a flexible hall defined by structural clarity and natural light
the project connects the building’s architectural history with its new academic role
modular acoustic booths are integrated into the open interior for focused work and private communication
the project transforms the interior into a contemporary student-oriented environment
calm material choices create a balanced environment supporting focus
project info:
name: Narxoz University Business School
architect: AGP Architects – Astana Grazhdan Proekt
design team: Kanashkova Svetlana, Zhunusov Madi, Shevchenko Aleksandr, Kapenov Askar
location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
photographer: Damir Otegen
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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