Astana, the City of the Future

[Descant 1,898]

So there was this article published on Gizmodo yesterday that I found... simply exciting. 

 

In 2017, the city of Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, will look like something out of a sci-fi movie. Not only will this Astana get to host the World Expo, but it will be completely green, embracing the tenets of the Third Industrial Revolution, harnessing the clean energy given to us by the elements themselves.

 

 

I don't know about you guys, but I'm really, really excited about this. If Astana's a success, maybe it'll lead the world in a direction that's less fossil-fuel-loving and self-destructive to the planet.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Edited October 30, 2013 by Dez

[An Old Head 4,816]

I actually really hope this is a success. So does everyone, but mainly because Kazakhstan hasn't had many opportunities to make a claim to fame at all. Which is a shame, because Kazakhstan is an extremely underrated place. If it can prove itself as pioneers and exhibitors of the greatest means of using energy the correct way, I'll be so pleased for them.

 

On a non-energy related note, the article also highlighted another reason I'm hoping this will turn out well. To upset Dubai. I detest Dubai and how bland and cubic it is. The spotlight should be taken away from it with this project. 

Edited October 30, 2013 by Flipturn

[lomk 20,663]

I hope this works out for Kazakhstan. Being a landlocked country must be difficult. Having an ocean to export goods was pretty much vital in developing the countries that are as developed as they are today, like Western Europe and the United States. Being completely green could do unspeakable good for their economy, and that's crucial considering the general instability of that part of the world. Go Kazakhstan! 

[Descant 1,898]

I actually really hope this is a success. So does everyone, but mainly because Kazakhstan hasn't had many opportunities to make a claim to fame at all. Which is a shame, because Kazakhstan is an extremely underrated place. If it can prove itself as pioneers and exhibitors of the greatest means of using energy the correct way, I'll be so pleased for them.

 

On a non-energy related note, the article also highlighted another reason I'm hoping this will turn out well. To upset Dubai. I detest Dubai and how bland and cubic it is. The spotlight should be taken away from it with this project. 

Kazakhstan's not unheard of. After all, Kazakhstan was the launching point of the Soviet Union's invasion of outer space. There's an odd, beautiful symmetry to it.

 

Dubai is like the exact opposite of Astana. Totally overrated. I agree completely. 

 

I hope this works out for Kazakhstan. Being a landlocked country must be difficult. Having an ocean to export goods was pretty much vital in developing the countries that are as developed as they are today, like Western Europe and the United States. Being completely green could do unspeakable good for their economy, and that's crucial considering the general instability of that part of the world. Go Kazakhstan! 

I hope that if this works out for the Kazakhs, and Astana fulfills all their wildest dreams, that other cities will decide to follow in Astana's footsteps. Lord knows I'd love to see something like this in the United States. Maybe Detroit...? That'd certainly be one way to give the city life again. To give it a future again.

Edited October 30, 2013 by Dez

[lomk 20,663]

Lord knows I'd love to see something like this in the United States. Maybe Detroit...? That'd certainly be one way to give the city life again. To give it a future again.

 

Oh no kidding. Detroit desperately needs some work. But it's not impossible for the city to make a comeback. I've never been, but I've seen pictures of the severe urban decay in that city. It's heartbreaking that people actually live in those conditions. 

[LittleRawr 679]

Wow... It looks simply amazing! Like something out of a game! 

 

I really hope that they actually do make it look like that. I would definitely visit it then!

 

 

 

Dubai is like the exact opposite of Astana. Totally overrated. I agree completely. 

 

Even though I live in Dubai, I have to agree as well. I would gladly move out if I could.

[Descant 1,898]

Wow... It looks simply amazing! Like something out of a game!    I really hope that they actually do make it look like that. I would definitely visit it then!

 

Yeah, sometimes it's pretty impressive how good games are at predicting stuff like this. Especially when it comes to architecture. Or maybe the architects were inspired from elements from these futuristic games and media. They are from Chicago, after all.  Anyway, yeah, this is supposed to be the site for the World Expo in 2017. I'm really excited for it. I'd definitely want to visit this new Astana if it wasn't literally on the other side of the world from me.  

Edited October 30, 2013 by Dez

[Throwaway19573639385 764]

It really looks great. I remember visiting Astana a few times, let me tell you, the city already looks like that picture. While not as modern or sci-fi, the city is still very green and colorful. There's plenty of different folk and culture that walks around as well. Wish I could live there..

 

... Too bad that the rest of Kazakhstan looks nothing like this. The government kinda pumped money only into Astana, and not the rest. Heck, the city I was born in still considers cars from before the 2000s as "modern". It makes me sad to see only one city of (what used to be part of) my country growing like this. I do hope Astana sets an example for the rest of the world, we really need to have cities like this. Both colorful and efficient, not to mention very economical. It would have positive effects for the world, as well as for the population.

[ReverseFaller 2,483]

Wait, this is Kazakhstan? Wow! That's pretty cool! I hope the rest of the world follows suit, and makes futuristic, clean cities like Astana.

The cities of the future will be certainly interesting to say the least. Anyways, if ever given the chance I would love the visit Astana.

[Scootalove 10,689]

It is good that it looks pretty futuristic, and I hope it goes well for them. But, I don't feel that the government should have pumped a lot of money into turning the capital into an expensive futuristic place.

[An Old Head 4,816]

It is good that it looks pretty futuristic, and I hope it goes well for them. But, I don't feel that the government should have pumped a lot of money into turning the capital into an expensive futuristic place.

 

Did you not read the OP? Its intentions are to showcase the correct harnessing of green energy. It's not just about "turning the capital into an expensive futuristic place", which I might add is a rather blunt accusation.

[Scootalove 10,689]

Did you not read the OP? Its intentions are to showcase the correct harnessing of green energy. It's not just about "turning the capital into an expensive futuristic place", which I might add is a rather blunt accusation.

Okay, I read it. Let me rephrase that, what I meant to say was this could lead to a lot of new ways to use safe ''green'' energy. Without, wasting any energy or oil.

[Descant 1,898]

Okay, I read it. Let me rephrase that, what I meant to say was this could lead to a lot of new ways to use safe ''green'' energy. Without, wasting any energy or oil.

This could lead to development in the area around Astana, too. Sun and wind power is virtually unlimitied - they're going to have more power in that city than they're ever going to have use for. So, naturally, odds are much of central Kazakhstan is going to improve and develop thanks to the extra energy Astana will harvest. They'll have to use it somehow.

[Scootalove 10,689]

This could lead to development in the area around Astana, too. Sun and wind power is virtually unlimitied - they're going to have more power in that city than they're ever going to have use for. So, naturally, odds are much of central Kazakhstan is going to improve and develop thanks to the extra energy Astana will harvest. They'll have to use it somehow.

That is what I call, going green! At least they will have unlimited power from solar energy and wind energy, which I believe it will keep them going for the next few years with all of the energy that they will save. Development is key!