The countdown has begun in earnest for the 2017 international architecture exposition in Astana, Kazakhstan. On 10 June, visitors will be able to explore the city’s futuristic new Expo City, which includes 28 buildings themed around the concept of ‘Future Energy’. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) masterplanned the site and have designed several of the buildings. The 174 ha site features exhibition and cultural pavilions (118,620sq m); service

British architect Asif Khan has revealed the first visualisations of ‘We Are Energy’ – the UK pavilion he is designing for the 2017 International Exposition in Astana, Kazakhstan. The images reveal a domed tent-like space, surrounded on the outside by a 360 degree display screen. The 2,200sq m (23,600sq ft) pavilion, which is scheduled to be pre-built to shell and core by the Expo organisers, will be illuminated by electric

A major leisure project has been honoured in the Stellar Design category at the American Institute of Architecture’s (AIA) annual celebration of innovation in architecture. The Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Innovation Awards honour designers and researchers who have created new practices and technologies to improve the construction and maintenance of buildings. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture won the design prize for their masterplan of Astana Expo City 2017,