Development of circus architecture in Kazakhstan in the context of cultural tourism
Abstract
This study examines permanent circus facilities as architectural and sociocultural objects that contribute to national identity, urban recognizability, and the attractiveness of cultural destinations. Its purpose is to identify the principal trends shaping their development and to assess how digital technologies can transform façades, interiors, arenas, and audience experiences. The research responds to the need to modernize cultural facilities while preserving nationally recognizable imagery. A qualitative design combined a review of recent scholarly and institutional sources with an email-based expert survey. Invitations were sent to 39 specialists, and 37 respondents with relevant professional or academic experience participated. Their free-form answers were examined through thematic content analysis. The findings reveal six major trends: globalization and national specificity, stronger links with tourism, the uniqueness of live performance, the transition toward animal-free formats, commercialization, and digitalization. Projection mapping emerged as a particularly promising instrument because it can introduce temporary visual layers into existing buildings without permanent structural alteration. Its use may reinforce symbolic identity, enrich visitor experience, support multimedia performance, and improve the integration of circus facilities into urban events and destination routes. The study therefore recommends experimental implementation of projection and interactive mapping in Kazakhstan’s permanent circus venues.