It will be the "Peace Palace", in its essence - the temple of all religions. The complex is designed to host the Congress of World and Traditional Religions. It was first held on the initiative of Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2003, and should become a regular event held every three years. To fulfill this desire of the president, it is necessary to have time to build a huge pyramid of glass and concrete in one year. This form was chosen by Foster because it does not carry any negative reminiscences.
Its base is a square with a side of 62 m, the same is its height. She stands on a podium with a side of 96 m and a height of 15 m; an opera hall for 1500 spectators will be located there. Also, the complex will house the Center for Ethnic Groups and Geographical Regions of Kazakhstan, the Museum of National Culture and the University of Civilizations.
The congress will take place in a circular hall, designed on the model of the UN Security Council Hall, located under the very top of the pyramid, decorated with stained-glass windows in the colors of the national flag of Kazakhstan. It will be supported by four pillars "symbolizing the hands of the world." One floor below will house a research center for world religions with a large library. The "Hanging Gardens of Astana" will be arranged by the pyramids leaning towards the center of the walls.
Foster himself admits that he has never worked so quickly: the project was ready in a few months. The architect has yet to meet with his client president. Foster's bureau refuses to comment on this project due to the ambiguous attitude of the world community towards the Nazarbayev regime, which does not respect human rights.
