Book of Generic Solutions for Riverfront Improvement Issued

Book of Generic Solutions for Integrated Improvement of the Moskva River Embankments was ordered by the Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning as the guiding framework for practical activity of architects. The manual was developed by GUP GlavAPU.

In 2014, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin initiated the decision to «open» the Moskva River to the city. The international competition for the Riverfront Development Concept was held. The winning solutions were approved by the Mayor as strategic documents providing for the program of waterfront improvement for many years to come, as well as upgrading of the surrounding area, and launch of waterway passenger transport.

The methodological guidance was developed considering the Concept provisions and approved by the Expert Council on preservation, planning and development of specially protected nature territories of the Department for Environmental Management, and is intended to become a Handbook for architects involved in the design and development of the embankments of the Moskva River, as well as for students.

Today, the role and place of waterfront areas in the city development are characterized by such categories as ‘livable city’ and ‘sustainable city’, which in particular forms certain planning standards. According to Tatiana Guk, Deputy Chairman of Moskomarkhitektura, «the practical application of these provisions will create a single space of waterfront areas, which will establish a new quality of the environment, its safety and accessibility, unleash the potential of the territories and create comfortable, natural-anthropogenic landscapes.»

«Moscow Long-Term Development Plan 2035 envisages construction of 64 km of new embankments and improvement of 73 km of the existing ones,» said the Chief Architect of Moscow Sergey Kuznetsov. «The Book of Generic Solutions will become the basis for improvement of ZIL embankments, in Zaryadye Park, in Moscow City, in Nagatino, Maryino, Brateevo and other districts of Moscow.»

There are three sections in the Book: analytical materials, the second part contains the general principles of spatial organization of embankments, the third section presents model improvement solutions in accordance with the typology of embankments, namely, linear areas, transport hub areas, recreation, social and business areas, traffic intersections. The solutions are provided in relation to pedestrian zones, pavement, landscaping, temporary structures, lighting. In addition to this, socio-economic requirements, safety and environmental protection requirements are listed there.

«These guidelines protect the interests of citizens, which establishes the minimum standards necessary for waterfront spatial planning; at the same time, it does not limit the expressive design methods,» said Petr Kudryavtsev, urbanist and partner at Citymakers. «Together with the Book of Generic Solutions for improvement of arterial thoroughfares, it sets the right course for interaction between Moskomarkhitektura and professional community, while providing reasonable limitations, rather than strictly defining design solutions.»

«The information presented in the Book can also serve as a methodological guide for design and problem solutions in site development projects,» said Alexander Asadov, architect, corresponding member of the International Academy of Architecture. «Moreover, spatial organization solutions for the territories adjacent to the Moskva River and recommendations on the set of improvement elements, suggested in the Book, can be used to develop the project proposals for other rivers in Moscow.»

The Book of Generic Solutions for Improvement of the Moskva River Embankments is available on ArchCouncil of Moscow website in the BOOKS section.