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University of Central Asia’s Naryn Campus Taking Shape
Published: 22 July 2015 г.
The University of Central Asia’s (UCA) first undergraduate campus is taking shape in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic. Construction is on schedule for the campus to open in 2016. UCA’s centralised, phased strategy harnesses the talent of award-winning designers, a multi-national construction management team and specialised regional and local contractors.
Architecture
Renowned architect Arata Isozaki and his firm, Isozaki, Aoki & Associates developed the campus design, which complements the beautiful mountain location on the banks of the Naryn River. World-class firms AECOM, Gensler (London) and Dizajn Arhitektura lead daily design operations, Kyrgyz design consultants ensure that local legislation is complied with, while UCA manages the process to ensure quality and efficiency.
Aerial view of Phase I construction of University of Central Asia Naryn Campus.
Centralised Management
Most construction projects in Central Asia rely on general contracting procurement, engaging one contractor to manage all the works. To maximise in-house control, minimise risk and increase local economic impact, UCA uses in-house Agency Construction Management (ACM); engaging and managing several contractors, each with a specific scope of work. Many Naryn-based companies have gained contracts under UCA’s ACM system. There has also been maximum use of Central Asian building materials, including cement, stone, sand, blocks, brick and some fittings.
Academic building with rooftop terrace
“Quality and attention to detail lie at the heart of every structure on the campus. We are not simply building structures; we are building an institution that will become part of the fabric of the Central Asian communities we serve,” explains Mr Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Executive Chairman of UCA’s Board Executive Committee.
Dormitories are linked to the academic building by sheltered walkways.
Employment
UCA construction offers well compensated employment and international standards for the well-being of all persons engaged in the construction, monitored by an in-house health and safety management team. Approximately 80 percent of the team building and managing construction on-site are Central Asian engineers, construction professionals and workers. On-site equipment reduces the carbon footprint of transporting materials and geothermal technologies for heating and cooling further reduces it. Each site has 24 hour security and flood lighting and a welfare facility with sanitary, medical and dining amenities. All workers receive health and safety and task specific training.
A construction team installs the vapour barrier and roof insulation on the academic building.
Phased Construction
UCA’s phased approach enables initial phases to operate independently, minimises the need for retrofitting and allows for expansion in new phases. It will also enable UCA to react to the market’s response and allows for modifications, aligned with market demand and direction, in subsequent phases.
Phase I in Naryn includes an academic building, housing classrooms, laboratories, the library and dining hall and faculty residences, two dormitories and international standard sports facilities. Buildings are linked by sheltered walkways, and ‘smart’ features such as bio-dynamic lighting, smart card technologies, campus-wide Internet access, and modular dormitory rooms will enhance the campus experience.
Campuses in Tajikistan and Kazakhstan
Phase I construction of UCA's second campus in Khorog, Tajikistan has begun. It includes a three-storey academic building, a laboratory, a student life building and a three-winged dormitory and is scheduled to open in 2018. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation has committed financing for Phase I construction of the campus, alongside contributions from the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan Foundation, USA. The executive design for UCA's third campus in Tekeli, Kazakhstan, which is scheduled to open in 2020, was recently commissioned to Gensler, Dizajn Arhitektura and AECOM.