Architecture and Design
The architectural concept of Iconic Complex in Alatau City was developed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Its basis is the Trans-Ili Alatau: the mountain relief, rock facets and ice patterns are reflected in the form of the buildings and in their facades. The complex comprises two towers, 272 and 78 metres in height, a shopping centre and six low-rise office buildings.
The Inspiration Behind the Architecture of Iconic Complex
The architecture of Iconic Complex is inspired by the Trans-Ili Alatau, a mountain range approximately 350 kilometres in length. The layered relief, snow-capped peaks and contours of the mountains are reflected in the stepped silhouettes, inclined lines and multifaceted surfaces of the buildings.
The mountain theme unifies all the buildings of Iconic Complex. The towers, the shopping centre and the office buildings each have a distinct character but share a common architectural language. SOM presented the concept of the complex on 5 March 2026.
Appearance of Towers T2 and T1
Tower T2 rises to a height of 272 metres and will be the tallest building of the complex. Wide at the base, it narrows towards the summit and resembles a sharp mountain peak. The tower has 53 floors. Offices are located at the lower levels, with a five-star hotel and apartments above them, while the Sky Club and viewing areas occupy the upper floors. Floor heights vary according to function: 4.5 metres in the offices, 4 metres in the hotel and apartments, and 5 metres in the Sky Club. Horizontal bands on the facade unite all the floors in a single pattern.
Tower T1 is situated in the western part of the complex and resembles a mountain slope. It is low and elongated, measuring 78 metres in height and approximately 132 metres in length. The tower has 15 floors and is devoted entirely to residential use, containing 200 apartments. It descends to the ground in steps, on which terraces for residents are located. A rooftop garden of 450 m² has been laid out.
Appearance of the Iconic Complex Shopping Centre
The facade of the Iconic Complex shopping centre resembles cracked ice. It is composed of triangular facets and transparent surfaces traversed by irregular lines. Large frames divide the long facade into separate sections, so that it does not appear as a continuous wall.
Canopies over the Shopping Centre
Large triangular metal canopies are raised above the Iconic Complex shopping centre. Their colour changes from cool to warm, like the slope of a mountain range at dawn. The rooftop parking and the engineering equipment are concealed beneath the canopies and are therefore not visible from the windows of the towers.
Appearance of the Iconic Complex Office Buildings
The six low-rise office buildings of Iconic Complex are conceived as rocks emerging from beneath the snow. The buildings are angular and faceted, and no two are identical. Their facades bear the same horizontal bands as those of the towers.
The office buildings are located in the northern part of the site. The quarter has separate access roads, and landscaped courtyards are provided between the buildings.
The Green Square at the Centre of Iconic Complex
A green square, the principal public space of the complex, is laid out at the centre of Iconic Complex. Pedestrian paths lead from it to the towers, the shopping centre and the office quarter. Part of the square lies beneath the canopies, which are provided with openings for daylight. Green areas occupy 25% of the Iconic Complex site.
Key Facts
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Author of the concept
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), USA
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Source of inspiration
Trans-Ili Alatau
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Presentation of the concept
5 March 2026
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Tower T2
272 metres, 53 floors
Floor height in T2
4.5 m in the offices, 4 m in the hotel and apartments, 5 m in the Sky Club
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Tower T1
78 metres, 15 floors
Length of Tower T1
Approximately 132 metres
Rooftop garden of T1
450 m²
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Low-rise office buildings
6
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Proportion of green areas on the site
25%
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who developed the architectural concept of Iconic Complex?
The architectural concept of Iconic Complex was developed by the American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). Its projects include the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, One World Trade Center in New York, the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, Willis Tower in Chicago and others. In Kazakhstan, the Talan Complex in Astana, comprising two towers with offices and a hotel, has already been built to a design by SOM.
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How do Towers T1 and T2 differ?
Tower T2, 272 metres in height, combines offices, a hotel and apartments and resembles a mountain peak. Tower T1, 78 metres in height, is devoted entirely to apartments and resembles a mountain slope with terraces.
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At what stage is the Iconic Complex project?
The architectural concept of Iconic Complex has been approved by the Government of Kazakhstan. In May 2026, SOM announced the completion of the schematic design and the transition to detailed design.
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What materials will be used for the facades of Iconic Complex?
The canopies over the Iconic Complex shopping centre will be made of metal. The materials for the facades of the towers and for interior finishes will be selected at the detailed design stage.