Our interior design for Narxoz University was part of a larger redevelopment of the main faculty building in Almaty by our local partner. ROP had been commissioned to design the main collective spaces, food court and entrance areas of the interior.

The impressive scale and layout of the building were the main inspirations for the design, in which we sought to create a welcoming, lively and multipurpose central gathering space in an otherwise monotone building plan.

More than just a food court, Narxoz Co-lab is a space designed around the idea of social connection through collaborative work, leisure and events, where various functions are intertwined in this important node of the building. The area below the main public staircase serves as a multipurpose co-working space. The stage design supports afternoon lunch as well as work activities and, during events, can be transformed to host presentations and lectures opposite the seating stairs.

The entrance lobby combines a series of playful seating and lighting elements to create a welcoming and recognisable gathering space – a perfect spot for students to meet up.
The overall design embraces the raw nature of the existing building structure and adds a series of warm and tactile materials to create a space for students to relax and collaborate.