Astana Expo City 2017 is well under construction. The site of the next international exposition in Astana, Kazakhstan, was designed by Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG). The project follows the expo’s theme of “Future Energy,” and incorporates many of the latest advancements in sustainable design, construction, and post occupancy amenities.

At the center of the campus sits a massive glass sphere. AS+GG have released progress images for the sphere in the form of 360 virtual reality images. Those with VR headsets can download the scenes here and here. The images below can be explored on computers or mobile devices as well.

(Structural Steel Contractor, Metal Yapi Eng & Const; Photography by Fatih Kucukcolak.)

The project will also include 29 other buildings designed by AS+GG. The expo is focused on developing alternative sources of energy and transportation. In order to align the design of the projects with these goals, site-specific factors were analyzed to maximize summer and winter energy efficiency. Storm water and waste were also addressed with water and waste reclamation facilities on site.

(Structural Steel Contractor, Metal Yapi Eng & Const; Photography by Fatih Kucukcolak.)

“We worked closely with the client and the governments in Astana and Kazakhstan to develop urban planning and design guidelines that in many instances challenged the established standards, obsolete codes, and regulations,” said AS+GG Partner Adrian D. Smith, FAIA in a statement.

The international exposition will be open from June 10 through September 10, 2017.  Once the expo concludes the site will be transformed into an office and innovation park. The transformation will also include adding housing to the site. When completed, the area is set to be one of the most sustainable developments in the world.