Astana 2017 Expo

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND: The Astana EXPO 2017 project is a competition entry developed by Kokkugia (the speculative architecture research collaboration of Roland Snooks and Robert Stuart-Smith) for the design of the 2017 World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan and a national monument. The objective of the project was the development of a concept design, including an installation to serve as the symbol of Astana EXPO 2017. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Kokkugia's design explored the relationship between two types of non-linear algorithms as generative tools for architecture: multi-agent and fluid dynamic. The combination of these blurs the relationship between internal motivation of a system and the influence of external, dynamic forces. This strategy undermines the contemporary dichotomy of either morphogenetic or morphodynamic algorithmic design approaches. This work is part of a larger research trajectory by Snooks to develop and articulate a behavioural approach to architectural design that draws from the logic of swarm intelligence and operates through multi-agent algorithms. The research contributes to a new architectural paradigm that has developed out of complexity theory, computation and a focus on emergent phenomena. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The international architectural competition received more than 100 applications. Kokkugia was one of 45 international practices from over 20 countries to be shortlisted, alongside other renowned architects including: Zaha Hadid; UN Studio; Coop Himmelblau; and Norman Foster. The shortlisted entries, which responded to the Expo's 'Future Energy' theme, were exhibited in Astana in mid-2013.