Almaty is located at the foot of the Trans-Alay Alatau Mountains, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. It was the capital of Kazakhstan until 2000 and is, with around 1,3 million inhabitants, the biggest city in the country. The name Almaty means appled (the place with apples). In the region, the genetic diversity among wild apples implies that south-east Kazakhstan is the origin of the domesticated apple. Groves of apple trees are characteristic for many parts of the city.

Kargaly City, the urban tree of Almaty. The urban tree of Almaty is based on the line of the Kargaly River, which is running northwards from the Alatau Mountains. Combined with the main streets in east-west direction, the structure of the new city district is created. The trunk of the tree is formed by the urban backbone along the River. The centre is situated in the crown of the tree.

The urban backbone is designed as a large park, a campus area where the most important public facilities are located. The campus is composed by several different pieces. The first branch of the tree is diverging at a spiritual location. Next to the existing cemetery a religious centre is created. The intensity of the urban backbone is rising closer to the centre. The river is running besides apartment buildings and business centres placed in the park. Where the next two branches are diverging, the university and a science technology park are creating an inspiring environment. The final piece of the urban backbone is dedicated to culture and recreation. A culture centre, an arena and a sports park are grouped around the river.

The centre is created where the Kargaly River is crossed by the Abai Avenue, the street connecting Kargaly city with Almaty?s historic city core. The landmarks of Kargaly centre are three skyscrapers along the river.

The river branches are leading into residential quarters, where most of the future residents will have their home. These quarters will not only form a monoculture sleeping town, but a living part of the city. Shops and caf‚s will border the main streets. Urban squares and schools are spread out over the area with appropriate distances. Parks along the side branches of the Kargaly River are both creating calm areas for recreation and a link to the rest of the city.

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