Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, is undergoing a significant architectural transformation as the government invests in both modern and historical structures. Following a devastating earthquake in 1966, Tashkent was rebuilt as a showcase of various architectural styles, including brutalist, modernist, and neoclassical designs.
New landmarks designed by renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid and Tadao Ando are currently in development, alongside an Olympic city featuring five state-of-the-art sports venues for the 2025 Youth Olympic Games. This ambitious project aims to position Uzbekistan as a global cultural destination.
In parallel, the government is prioritizing the conservation of historical sites, with a focus on preserving the rich architectural heritage of cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva. The initiative is part of a broader campaign to open the former Soviet republic to the world.
As part of this revitalization, a new marketplace and multipurpose center in Croatia's Koprivnica is set to be developed. The project, valued at over 7 million euros, was awarded to Studio mapa, an architectural firm recognized for its contemporary design approach. The center will include a closed marketplace, a new library, and an intermodal terminal, ensuring that the current marketplace remains operational during construction.
The library is envisioned as a hub for knowledge and skills, rather than merely a book-lending facility, reflecting the evolving needs of the community. Completion of the Koprivnica project is anticipated by the end of 2026, pending any unforeseen challenges.