Almaty’s new landmark? Shanghai company plans 360-degree sphere and EXPO hub

Shanghai firm to build EXPO center and 360-degree sphere in Almaty / Image generated by a neural network, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Shanghai Construction Group, one of China’s largest construction companies, plans to build a new EXPO center in Almaty. The city’s Akimat (mayor’s office) confirmed the project to Kursiv.media.

Preliminary conceptual design for the EXPO center is underway, with a focus on modern standards and integration into the city’s business and events ecosystem.

Immersive 360-degree sphere also proposed

Officials also announced plans for a 360-degree sphere. The venue is envisioned as a multifunctional space offering fully immersive experiences for visitors.

A sphere in Astana built for the EXPO 2017 / Photo: Kursiv.media archive

The sphere would support ultra-high-definition panoramic visuals, with flexible configurations for cultural and entertainment events, educational programming and interactive experiences for a broad audience.

About Shanghai Construction Group

Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) is a major state-owned construction company founded in 1994 and affiliated with the Shanghai municipal government. The company operates in more than 30 countries, building residential and commercial properties, bridges, subway systems and cultural complexes.

Its flagship projects include prominent Shanghai landmarks such as the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Internationally, SCG has developed projects including a five-star hotel in Cairo and a sewer tunnel in Canada.