In an effort to search for the city’s own identity, the ‘Almighty Tree’ concept proposal by Saraiva + Associados aims to give people the chance to experience the city of Almaty by hovering above treetops. As seen before in Kazakhstan, this unique style of architecture offers the opportunity to involve everyone in a place where the city, in combination with environmental values and modern design, shapes an exciting and memorable idea. Full architects’ description after the break.
It all began with the etymology of the City’s name where the “Tree”, as an object, aims at the citizens’ understanding of their deepest root – in other words, of their origin. Therefore, the “Almighty Tree” can be considered the metaphorical journey of the real meaning behind the big city life.
Visitors can indulge themselves in the exclusive views of the beautiful city while renewing the necessary energy for their daily life. The unique design resembles the structure of a tree which is then combined with livable platforms (leaves) – giving the perception of human activities suspended in the air. In addition, and more importantly, our concept takes into consideration sustainable issues and reduces the Building’s environmental impact (kept to minimum). In order to achieve this goal, we devoted considerable resources to all solutions related to sustainable construction and energy efficiency – for instance, solar panels and wind turbines were installed in strategic locations. Why build towards the sky? Building higher and higher does not seem to change the way we live. Yet, most of us revere tall structures…maybe for their role in our collective imagination.
Furthermore, this “Tree” challenges the common city lifestyle by offering multiple uses: one per storey, one per leaf. They can all be experienced by taking the lift across the whole building – from your favorite bar or panoramic restaurant to the heliport or business areas, visitors will always be followed by staggering views. True, the “Tree” is solely metaphorical, yet in an increased and exaggerated way. It draws power. It represents the journey to our roots and the abstract idea of how important is to create a place destined for ourselves, a place where we can be completely at ease. And hence this huge “Tree” becomes literally the “Almighty Tree”.
