EXPO-2017 main symbol best sketch be announced in Sept 1st

As previously reported, the competition was announced in February 18, works' reception completed in July 18. Foreign architects and companies which had successful experience in design projects of Astana applied for participation in the contest. Among the applicant enterprises are Manfredi Nicollet (concert hall "Kazakhstan"), "Studio-44" from St. Petersburg (new Schoolchildren's Palace in Astana), "Sembol" company ("Khan Shatyry") and others. Architectural competition also attracted attention of previous EXPOs artists including Stefano Boeri (Milan "EXPO-2015"), Nana Hernandez-Getashvili (Zaragoza "EXPO-2008"), GMP International SP architectural company, Zaha Hadid ( Zaragoza Bridge at "EXPO-2008").

Kazakhstani firms take part in the event as well. Among them are Kazakhstan's Union of urban planners, «KAZGOR» design academy , Timur Suleimenov representative of the Kazakh Union of designers, Saken Narynov's workshop under Union of Architects of the Republic of Kazakhstan, "Kazorkenproject" LLP together with "Etnoarhitecture Research Institute" Gumilev Eurasian National University and many others.

The best works were presented to Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan. Author of the best sketch idea will get USD 150 thousand.

In general, according to the organizing committee, there were received more than 100 applications from Austria, Australia, Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, Canada, China, the United States, the Netherlands, Korea, Russia, Portugal, Norway, Turkey, Tunisia, Japan, France, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.