Renovation of Almaty’s Historic Fire Station No. 5 Sparks Public Concern

While much of the world is returning to authentic materials — stone, wood, and concrete — in Almaty, historic buildings are being clad in plastic, Orda.kz reports.

Local residents are voicing concern over this trend.

The major renovation of Fire Station No. 5, an architectural landmark from the 1930s, has sparked backlash. Many Almaty residents believe it degrades the city’s image.

The whole world is returning to authentic materials: stone, concrete, brick, wood, but we continue to wrap history in plastic,
 Almaty resident Anastasia Omelyanenko wrote on social media.

According to her, the global trend toward local identity — architecture that preserves the spirit of a place — is now being embraced worldwide, with builders increasingly using materials native to their regions.

The world is embracing the trend toward local identity and seeking materials that belong to their place. And we're replacing our native Kazakhstan shell rock with aluminum composite. The world is talking about sustainability: architecture that lasts for decades, ages gracefully, and doesn't turn into rubbish after a couple of years. Everyone is looking for tactile and textured materials, and we're replacing them with flat and lifeless ones.

The building in question — Fire Station No. 5 — was designed by architect Lebedev in 1937. 

It forms part of Almaty’s history, but according to local residents, it may lose its original appearance after the renovations.

The true face of a city doesn't need cheap cladding. It only needs respect, patriotism, and careful restoration,
Omelyanenko added.

The Almaty Department of Emergency Situations responded, emphasizing that all work is being carried out per architectural regulations and that the preliminary design was approved by the city’s architecture department:

The building's exterior appearance will not be changed; the façade will be made of a material that complies with SACC regulations (in particular, durable and strong travertine).

The building's renovation is aimed at ensuring their safety and creating appropriate working conditions. We thank the residents of Almaty for their commitment — the improvements are being made in the interests of both the employees and the safety of the city's residents.

Original Author: Alina Pak