Next year, approximately four million people from around the world will flock to Astana, Kazakhstan for the 2017 World's Expo. Taking place from June 10 to September 10, the international conference will explore innovations in sustainable energy.
In preparation for the event, part of Astana is transforming into a glimmering, futuristic city, designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill Architecture.
The 18.7 million-square-foot master plan — which features a citywide smart grid as well as buildings powered by solar panels, wind turbines, and a citywide smart grid — incorporates the 2017 Expo's theme. The design, dubbed Astana Expo City 2017, calls for schools, parks, a hotel, offices, an arts center, a 1,000-seat theater, and 700 residential units.
As The Atlantic notes, estimates for the project's cost vary widely. Transforming Astana has cost the Asian nation approximately $10 to $30 billion, and the upcoming Expo has only resulted in additional construction and expense.
Keep scrolling to take a look at what Astana will look like in 2017.
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Astana Expo City will extend over 18.7 million square feet of Astana, Kazakhstan, which makes up a small portion of the city.
The design revolves around a massive, glowing orb that looks like a disco ball.
Called the Kazakhstan Pavilion, the five-story space will host all kinds of events.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider