Almost all of Lots were revised since the final design concept of the IBC Tashkent City had been approved, including Lot No. 4, which was invested by Universal Packing Masters (UPM) operating under Murad Buildings brand.

Its director, Mr. Rustam Nasirov, shared in his interview with UzNews.uz about what will be the tallest building in Uzbekistan and who will be engaged in its development.

- Please tell us which of the proposed building designs has been selected and why?

- Universal Packing Masters (UPM), known as Murad Buildings is implementing a project on the multifunctional complex (Lot No. 4). Colliers International, a leading international company in the commercial real estate segment, developed a financial concept for the project, following which, we selected the option that consists of two towers to be of different height. In the first - higher tower, it is supposed to place a hotel and apartments under the management Ritz Carlton, a high-class hotel operator. The second tower will house office spaces of class A or A+. Two-story buildings to be around the site allocated for sale of well-known luxury brands. Parking lots will be on the underground floors. On the top - a swimming pool and a restaurant will be located. Beautiful view of the city and its surroundings will be seen from deck on the top floor of the skyscraper. In addition, the multifunctional complex will include facilities for entertainment and business events.

- Who is the author of this design?

- The architectural design concept, which includes a seismic frame, was developed by DP Architects company from Singapore together with the Japanese Nihon Sekkei.

- What will be height of the structure and terms of contraction?

- The height of the main tower is supposed to be around 200 meters, the construction period according to the schedule agreed with the Directorate for Construction of International Business Centre, will last by the end of 2021.

- What budget does the investor expect for constructing a skyscraper?

- The final budget will be determined later based on many factors, but today we can say for sure that it will be at least USD 150 million.

- What new technologies will be used for construction of the building?

The fact that a building of such a height will be built for the first time in Uzbekistan implies the use of new technologies. First, the whole complex will be controlled by a single system, which can be called “smart”. It includes managing the flow of guests and visitors; ensuring safety of all engineering systems, integrated video surveillance; energy optimization; metering of all types of energy by consumer; optimization and consistency of all engineering system components, including elevators.

During construction, the latest technologies used in construction of modern high-rise buildings will be used: special brands of concrete, as well as additives that increase fluidity or shorten hardening time; new types of formworks and moulds for casting concrete structures; new types of construction lifts and construction cranes; modern devices for concrete supply and pouring allowing to use the same equipment for construction of both lower and upper floors, etc.

We are planning to certify the complex according to the BREEAM standard (method of environmental assessment of building performance). As a result, we will minimize the impact of development on the environment through the use of "green technologies". Energy, water and other resources will be used rationally. Special attention will be paid to ensuring health of visitors and improving efficiency of workers, reducing wastes, emissions and other environmental impacts.

How were the issues of seismic resistance thought out?

- For the development of high-quality solutions for seismic resistance of the building, the Japanese company Nihon Sekkei was engaged having extensive experience in designing structures in seismic zones. For strengthening the structure, its foundation is deepened to a depth of over 10 meters; piles for increased ground depth will be used; frame will be metal and possibly composite. In addition, special design solutions will be ensured to compensate for structural vibrations during earthquakes.

- What new global brands will Murad Buildings open for Uzbekistan? (Do you already conduct negotiations with the leading international brands?)

- At present, we work on a contractual basis with such global companies as Colliers International (financial concept estimates), Bureau Veritas (project management), Zemin Technology (geological studies), DP Architects (architecture), Nihon Sekkei (main frame structure), Dentons (legal support). Negotiations are underway with the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu to prepare a business plan for the project, and also with major companies for the supply of facade systems, elevator systems, utility systems (water supply, ventilation, air conditioning, heating, security, etc.), as well as leading global brands in the field of retail and hotel business, in particular Ritz Carlton. A selection process is underway involving large construction companies with sufficient experience in construction of high-rise buildings and first-class hotels.