This proposed high-concept building in Kazakhstan is designed to double up as a bridge

A new concept building designed to create a glittering rendition of the Kazakh flag ⁠— complete with a circular hole cutting through the building’s core — has been submitted to planners in Nur-Sultan.

Created by Fundamental Architects and Omega Render, the design is just one submitted to Kazakhstan’s largest developer, the BI Group, as part of a closed competition gathering ideas to extend the capital’s modern skyline.

Straddling the banks of the Ishim river, Towers of the Sun is designed to act as a public bridge across its lower levels, with spaces set aside for offices, homes and a hotel. The plans also include a terrace on the building’s roof, as well as designs to harness the power of the nearby river in a bid to bring the building’s potential energy needs down to almost zero.

“Kazakh culture and traditions are deeply intertwined into the concept,” the team said in a press release. “The circular opening in the centre of the building symbolizing the Sun, Peace and Unity — a symbol of core importance in Kazakh culture. [Meanwhile], the triangular elements in the structure and interiors, which represent a powerful personal mascot that can be usually found in the traditional jewelry and clothing.”