Ashgabat Olympic Complex
The landscape design of the Ashgabat Olympic Complex is structured through a central master plan approach that balances the monumental scale of the sports architecture. Across an area of approximately 1.4 million m², a network of pedestrian pathways connects the stadium and sports halls, defined by expansive hardscaped plazas and linear rows of trees.
The ceremonial plaza surrounding the main stadium provides a vast platform for large-scale events, while symmetrical landscape bands reinforce perspective and spatial order. A cascading water axis extends throughout the complex, with water features, reflecting pools, and natural grass terraces enhancing microclimatic comfort while dramatically framing the architectural masses. The landscape operates as a primary design layer—extending the monumental identity of the complex onto the ground plane.
LOCATION
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
PROJECT YEAR
2012-2015
PROJECT AREA
1.466.400 m²
CLIENT
Polimeks
In the detailed design phase, microclimatic comfort is achieved through drought-tolerant planting compositions and shaded tree axes adapted to the arid desert climate. Generous promenades connecting the sports facilities are scaled to accommodate high pedestrian flows during event days, ensuring uninterrupted circulation across the site.
Lawn areas provide flexible use for training and gathering, while linear arrangements of palms and cypress establish a strong directional language. Night lighting highlights plazas and water surfaces, enhancing spatial perception and atmosphere. The landscape operates as an integrated open space system—organizing public movement, providing climatic comfort, and responding to the scale and intensity of international events.
