NEWSROOM

A global architectural model company designed the architectural model for the expansion of Uzbekistan’s capital and is exhibiting it at MIPIM, the world’s largest real estate fair. The comprehensive project to transform Tashkent into a major metropolis was launched at the fair, and the 25-square-meter model also serves as a medium to introduce the urban design vision to international investors.

Models that reflect the spirit, history, and future of a city, district, or project are now bringing Uzbekistan’s new capital to life. One of the models produced by Hong Kong-based architectural model design company RJ Models for the "New Tashkent" (Yangi Toshkent) project—an expansion plan for Uzbekistan's capital—is being showcased at MIPIM, the world’s largest real estate and property investment fair, held in France until March 15.

The launch of the ambitious project to transform Tashkent into a grand metropolis took place for the first time at MIPIM, with RJ Models’ meticulously crafted model displayed at the Uzbekistan pavilion, playing a crucial role in presenting the project's urban design vision to international investors. The 1/1250 scale, 25-square-meter model provides a macro-level perspective of the city's master plan and expansion areas. Additionally, a massive 1/500 scale, 137-square-meter model is on display in Tashkent itself. These detailed models, which vividly portray the architectural intricacies and texture of "New Tashkent," were completed in just two months by a team of 100 professionals at RJ Models' 15,000-square-meter production facility in Hong Kong.

Providing Services Across Europe and Turkic Republics from Turkey

Recalling that a 1/35 scale model of Göbeklitepe was exhibited at MIPIM 2019, RJ Models Partner Uğur Maslamani shared insights on the company’s global impact:
“Founded in Hong Kong 30 years ago, RJ Models has grown into a leading architectural model design company with a team of 750 experts and a state-of-the-art, 15,000-square-meter production facility. Today, we deliver our services to more than 90 countries worldwide. From urban transformation projects to airports, stadiums, hotels, shopping malls, bridges, and shipyards, we bring a wide range of projects to life in 3D. Having successfully completed over 1,000 projects to date, RJ Models has been providing services to Europe and the Turkic Republics from Turkey since 2012.”

Highlighting some of their key projects in Turkey, including models for Istanbul Airport, Galataport, Tersane Istanbul, Beyoğlu Urban Transformation Model, and the 96-square-meter "Greater Istanbul" model for the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Uğur Maslamani added:
“We are proud to contribute to this visionary project, which will provide a new living space for 2.5 million people, through our large and small-scale models. By doing so, we enhance the international recognition of the project while also reflecting the essence of modern urban design. It is a great honor for RJ Models Turkey to be part of this monumental initiative shaping Tashkent’s future.”

New Tashkent to Boost Uzbekistan’s Economy

RJ Models Partner Hakan Özkan, emphasizing how their models capture every detail of the city, stated:
“With our models, which touch the very heart of the 'New Tashkent' project, we meticulously depict main roads, landmark buildings, green spaces, and infrastructure like a finely crafted piece of art, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the capital’s future vision. By presenting a comprehensive outlook, we ensure that investors and stakeholders fully grasp the project's scale and impact. Through our models, we are transforming this visionary initiative into a tangible reality, contributing to Tashkent’s development and its well-earned place on the global stage.”

The New Tashkent project, developed by the New Tashkent Board of Directors, the Uzbekistan Ministry of Construction, and the design and technology firm Cross Works, was approved by the government in mid-2023 following the conclusion of an international design competition in early 2023. The project envisions a 25,000-hectare expansion eastward of Tashkent, situated between the Chirchiq and Karasu rivers. The initial phase, covering approximately 6,000 hectares, aims to accommodate around 2.5 million people in the coming years.

“High Interest at MIPIM”

Discussing how the exhibition of their models at MIPIM, a fair hosting numerous global business leaders, will create new opportunities for Uzbekistan, Hakan Özkan concluded:
“Held in Cannes, France, this event is a major gathering point for international players in the real estate and property sector. From the very first day of the fair, there has been great interest in the 'New Tashkent' model. The model is also planned to be exhibited at other international fairs in the near future.”