Astana, the futuristic frontier of architecture

Astana's newest monument, the Khan Shatyr. The giant tent-shaped shopping centre, was the brainchild of Kazakhstan's president, Nursultan Nazabayex, and was designed by the British architects Foster + Partners Photograph: Nigel Young

The Bayterek tower, designed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev, stands at the centre of Astana's main avenue, framed by twin green-gold cones Photograph: Antoine Lambroschini/AFP/Getty Images

Astana is clean, orderly and seemingly sedated. Around dusk, when the punishing heat of the day drops, Astanans stroll among the malls, fountains and light displays laid on for their amusement Photograph: Rowan Moore

An architectural detail of the Khan Shatyr entertainment complex, the newest monument in Astana Photograph: William Webster/Getty Images

The Presidential palace in Astana is a version of The White House in Washington, enhanced by a blue dome, spire, and a dominating position on the city's main axis Photograph: Corbis

The Pyramid of Peace - or the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation - is also known as the 'Foster Pyramid,' after the British architect Norman Foster who designed it Photograph: Corbis

Stained-glass doves, created by British artist Brian Clark, decorate the apex of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation Photograph: Rowan Moore

A low angle perspective of the tower in Astana which simbolises the Kazakh myth of the magic bird Samruk, who laid a golden egg on the tree of life Photograph: Antoine Lambroschini/AFP/Getty Images

The Kay Munay Gaz building shows the Bayterek monument through its arches. Photograph: Robert Harding Picture Library L/Alamy

Artificial trees made of steel rods and coloured lights frame the presidential palace Photograph: Rowan Moore