Our goal for this project is simply the creation of a timeless park that has great value for centuries to come. This is an informal and dynamic park that can adopt future trends and changes of use. We deny a formal, static, trendy and ’wow!’ oriented park that only relates to current circumstances and stays ‘hip’ for a short while.
There are 8 principles that explain our park design:
1. ENHANCING HERITAGE The park is surrounded by Muscovite icons, and occupied by monumental buildings. In fact, the park is located within the Unesco heritage area. Instead of the park being yet another icon that competes with surrounding historical buildings, it is a park that enhances the qualities of these existing heritages.
2. DIVERSE INHABITANTS 99% of all trees in Moscow are part of six tree species. We bring a wide variety of tree species into the park which symbolizes the variety of inhabitants of Moscow and Russia. And this variety naturally encourages bio-diversity. This brings seasonal highlights throughout the year, with a spectacle of colours from spring to autumn.
3. OPEN & CONNECTED Red Square, Green Square Saint Elias and River Moskva are currently disconnected from each other. Our park connects these tree important spaces by creating 3 main park entrances. Sub-entrances of the park are integrated into the adjacent urban tissue of Moscow in all directions.
4. TOLERANT ROOMS Diversity in the scale of open spaces within the park allows for a variety of park activities ranging from big public events to small intimate meeting. This also prepares the park for yet unknown future uses. We gave each open space their own character, thus serving the wishes of different users. Anybody can find their secret favourite spot in the park.
5. TOPOGRAFIC FACILITIES The new built facilities in the park are integrated into the sloping landscape, resulting in an optimized green park surface. This subtle integration means that buildings are never competing with the existing historical monuments in the direct surroundings.
6. NECKLACE OF BUILDINGS The new built facilities are located along a big ring in the park. The ring serves a simple and comfortable walking route for visitors to experience different indoor facilities. In winter, welcoming warmth and hot drinks are offered while strolling through the park.
7. PARK MEETS RIVER Currently the park and the river are separated from each other by a six-lane road. Instead of crossing over this road, we offer a wide passage under the road to the new grand waterfront that provides a smooth transition for pedestrians with minimum level differences. The passage coincides with the archaeological element “Kitai-Gorod wall” currently found in the underground. The building along the road serves as an anti-noise barrier for the park and creates a "belvedere" overlooking the River Moskva.
8. TERRACED LANDSCAPE We transformed the existing sloping topography of the site into four terrace-levels. Each terrace has its own character. They are great platforms, offering a variety of views and park activities. The upper terrace showcases the family of existing monuments.
