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Is Uzbekistan the next great architectural destination?

Kosmonavtlar metro station in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent. Alexey Narodizkiy/Uzbekistan Art & Culture Development Foundation
Kosmonavtlar metro station in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent. Alexey Narodizkiy/Uzbekistan Art & Culture Development Foundation

Driving through Tashkent feels like an architectural journey, with Soviet brutalism, orientalist, modernist, futurist, and neoclassical styles blending into a vivid picture of design evolution. Rebuilt after a devastating 1966 earthquake, Tashkent became a testing ground for urban innovation, resulting in iconic structures such as hotels, theaters, and metro stations.

Today, the city is experiencing another transformation, with projects like Zaha Hadid Architects’ Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre and “Olympic City” for the 2025 Asian Youth Games underway. Beyond Tashkent, cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, rich with Silk Road-era markets and schools, are being restored as part of a national campaign to position Uzbekistan as a global cultural destination.

While young Uzbeks often prefer modern glass-and-steel designs, heritage advocates are fighting to preserve Soviet-era landmarks like Hotel Uzbekistan. Initiatives such as the “Tashkent Modernism” app and exhibitions in international venues highlight the importance of preserving architectural history.A rendering of Zaha Hadid Architects' winning design for the forthcoming Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre in New Tashkent. Norviska Maindropoff/Zaha Hadid Architects

Sustainability is also a focus. Experts emphasize that Uzbekistan's ancient designs, using materials like brick and clay, naturally regulate temperatures, providing energy efficiency without modern technologies. New Tashkent City aims to showcase eco-friendly designs, integrating tradition with innovation.

As Uzbekistan emerges as a center for sustainable and culturally rich architecture, the revitalization of its architectural heritage could inspire future generations of architects and elevate its global standing.

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