Samarkand in the north-east of Uzbekistan boasts a vibrant cultural and architectural heritage and has long been a central trading point across Asia. The challenge was to design a contemporary tourism complex while regenerating the area and creating accessible public spaces for visitors and the local community.   

Arup was appointed to deliver the masterplan for this 170-hectare site and led the architectural design, engineering and consultancy services from concept to detailed design.   

Designed to mesh with the traditional fabric of the city, the project consists of eight hotels, a congress centre and a range of social amenities, where hospitality and leisure activities are intertwined. 

Opening the city up to a new generation of tourists, the complex features a variety of mixed-use buildings with indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as a zoo and a wedding venue. With sustainability at its core, the design incorporates innovative environmental solutions to enhance energy efficiency and minimise the area’s environmental footprint. Local vegetation variations, infiltration trenches, and bioswale vegetated channels to collect rainwater, all contributing to natural resource preservation. 

Masterplanning and urban design 

The masterplan and building design for the new tourism centre seek to regenerate the area with an abundance of public green space for local residents. 

The design incorporates innovative features such as green roofs, permeable paving, and photovoltaic panels, enhancing energy efficiency and minimising the area’s environmental footprint. Local vegetation variations, infiltration trenches, and bioswale vegetated channels to collect rainwater, all contributing to natural resource preservation. 

The Arup team has also introduced energy-efficient design measures including LED lighting systems across the masterplan and all the different buildings. Outdoor lighting has been thoughtfully designed to preserve biodiversity and minimise light pollution, harmonising the built environment with the natural surroundings. 

Sustainable mobility is another key feature, with a broad range of mobility options like public transport, bicycle routes and parking spaces, as well as electrical vehicle charging stations. Prioritising public transport and micro-mobility options reduce the project’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable transportation alternatives. 

Render of Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Render of the design
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The project consists of eight hotels, a congress centre and a range of social amenities, where hospitality and leisure activities are intertwined.

Samarkand old and new

Situated along the existing rowing canal, the development acts as an extension of the urban fabric, preserving the unique character of different areas of the city in this new district.

The geometry of Uzbek patterns and architectural forms were reinterpreted with a contemporary, eye-catching twist by using local materials and craftmanship, while allowing for the modular composition of the façades.

To preserve the existing water routes that feed the old city, the site has been slightly elevated to ensure better integration with the city’s rowing canal, which is being rehabilitated to host sporting events.

Samarkand was a key stop on the Great Silk Road, a place many civilisations had crossed. I am confident that with the opening of the complex, a new era in the history of tourism in Samarkand will commence. 

Artyom Egikyan

CEO of Silk Road Samarkand Management Company