Kazakhstani engineer and architect Almas Kissabekov has been named winner of the prestigious Glonary® Awards for Technology and Design 2024, receiving the title of “Best Designer in Architecture and Construction.” The award recognizes his outstanding contribution to the landmark EXPO-2017 project in Astana — the first international exhibition ever held in Central Asia, which brought together 115 countries and 22 international organizations. The exhibition complex, with its centerpiece — the iconic Nur Alem spherical pavilion measuring 100 meters in height and 80 meters in diameter — welcomed over 4 million visitors, including 500,000 international guests.
The Glonary® Awards, based in the United States, is a globally recognized platform for strategic recognition across business, technology, innovation, and design. What distinguishes the award is its rigorous evaluation process: every submission undergoes a multi-stage review, including verification, anonymous expert assessment, and final deliberation by an international jury. Evaluation criteria include originality and innovation, clarity of execution, measurable outcomes, and long-term strategic value. In 2024, the Technology & Design program honored achievements in architecture, digital transformation, industrial design, and artificial intelligence.
As Technical Director of the EXPO-2017 program and Head of the Design Department, Almas Kissabekov introduced innovative solutions that became a benchmark for the industry: advanced digital management systems, modular construction technologies, sustainable energy practices, and partnerships with leading international players such as Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill (Chicago) and IT-Engineering (Switzerland). His leadership ensured the project’s success and brought international recognition to Kazakhstan’s architectural and engineering achievements.
Over the years, Kissabekov has received several national honors, including the Medal “For the Labor Distinction” and the Badge of Honor “Honorary Builder.” His recognition at the Glonary® Awards confirms his status as one of the most influential figures in architecture and engineering in Central Asia. “The EXPO-2017 project demonstrated how architectural innovation can drive cultural, economic, and environmental progress. Almas Kissabekov’s work has set an example for the entire region,” the Glonary Awards organizing committee emphasized.
Winning the Glonary® Awards is more than just another accolade — it is a symbol of global recognition. Laureates gain the right to use the “Glonary Award Winner” mark as proof of excellence, receive international media exposure, and may be invited to serve as judges in future editions. For Almas Kissabekov, this achievement represents not only a personal milestone but also a significant step in strengthening Kazakhstan’s international image as a country of innovation and sustainable development, as well as a powerful testament to his exceptional talent and strategic vision in the field of architecture and construction.
