American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan Building Development, Bishkek Campus Development, Images

American University of Central Asia in Bishkek

11 Aug 2020

American University of Central Asia

Design: HMA2 Architects

Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

A new college campus for American University of Central Asia (AUCA) breaks new ground in designing college spaces and in transforming Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic. The design nods to liberal arts colleges of America while integrating the colors, patterns and hospitality of Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

Like the indigenous yurt, the large academic building is a multi-use and flexible structure for learning, dining, gathering and playing. The dense weave of interior spaces aims to spark spontaneous and creative interactions, and takes extra advantage of every square meter. Framed between the architecture and mountains the welcoming entry quad recalls both the historic campus at the University of Virginia and the tree lined parks of Bishkek. A sustainable geothermal system utilizing the world’s most current technologies to heat and cool the building is a first in Kyrgyzstan—and with AUCA’s leadership, not the last.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

Where the East border of the former Soviet Union meets the ancient Silk Road is a modern trading post of ideas. The American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan reopened its doors in 2016 at a ground up new campus. The architectural design speaks to the region’s dramatic landscape and hospitality culture for an American style liberal arts college. Students entered the new welcoming quad and academic building like nomads with iPads, freely diving and settling into the many grand and intimate spaces.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

The architecture inspired by local nomadic traditions of mobility and hospitality provides for an American style liberal arts education to boost the democratic transformation of an entire region. AUCA lives at various important crossroads (physically and culturally) where: East meets West, tribal communities meet global communities, history and tradition meet today and tomorrow, high tech meets high touch, density meets privacy, transience meets permanence, diversity meets unity… in dynamic interplay.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

Design Concept
The building’s gabled roofs echo the surrounding alpine mountains. The rhythm of façade tones and patterns of landscape paths reflect locally crafted rugs, called shyrdaks. A peak of venting skylights provides air and light like the crown of the indigenous yurt. Rocks from the excavated site clad the exterior columns to spell, “AUCA.” Interior acoustic panels resemble native felt textures. Cantilevered red box balconies at three cafes look like open mouths for chai.

Visibility, Flexibility, Density
As such the design’s trio of highly visible, flexible and dense spaces serve to promote participation, collaboration and interaction, key ingredients for learning.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

New Classroom: Collaborate & Participate
Like good students, each area is flexible and hardworking. Classrooms double as workshops. Wide hallways are study lounges, flowing into cafes and art galleries. The gym is also a rehearsal studio with a passageway-viewing balcony. At the building’s heart is a 5,000 square foot atrium for everyday get-togethers, academic sessions, and theatrical events. Spaces are shared, not owned. Faculty and administrators work in open office suites next to communal banks of meeting rooms. The furniture is nomadic too. Tables and seats on wheels beckon anyone to freely stage spaces as desired.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

Nature & Culture
The architecture speaks to nature and culture. Together with AUCA, HMA2 Architects initiated the Public Art Program to bring together artists, artisans, designers and curators locally, regionally and internationally through a series of collaborative workshops, creative dialogue and ongoing exhibitions that fabricated several public art works at the new American University of Central Asia (AUCA) campus.

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

Design firm:HMA2 Architects

American University of Central Asia Kyrgyzstan

American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan images / information received 110820

Location: Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan

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