7 - Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana, Kazakhstan

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One of the most beautiful symbols in architecture today, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation cradles the world's nations in the base of its 77metre high pyramid standing tall in Kazakhstani capital, Astana. Another futuristic addiction to the Foster project list, this dramatic creation is however one of the most audacious; this time respecting the rules of geometry, contrarily to the other pieces we have seen in this feature so far. Dotted with spotlights, pearly cream leather seats, it is fair to say that the interior is rather clinical-looking. The sterile interior thus creates 'neutral territory' for the various nationalities which gather here for various international conferences and events. The building is five storeys high, each storey consisting of a pyramid. The lower three are clad in granite making a durable base, also reflecting durable, well-built, sustainable relations between countries. The upper two pyramids are clad in a lattice of apex panes. These panes are decorated with a dove motif by the stained glass artist, Brian Clarke; doves being the international symbol of peace. A fusion of prisms, pyramids and spheres, bathed in the blue and gold glow of the apex reflect the Kazakhstani flag and gives the building a Middle Eastern feel. The building has a 1,500 seat opera house in the lower level of the structure, as well as various conference and meeting spaces, a national spiritual centre, a library acting as a research centre into the world's religions, and a university faculty.

Co-architects: Tabanlioglu Architecture & Consulting (Istanbul)

Text: Rooksana Hossenally. Photo: Nigel Young for Foster+Partners

  Free University, Berlin, Germany

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