Transformation of coastal areas of Yauza river in Moscow / Part I by Daria Pilipak

PART I

Transformation of coastal areas of Yauza river in Moscow

Supervisor: Prof. Laura Pogliani Student: Daria Pilipak

POlLITECNICO DI MILANO School of Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Engineering Final Thesis Master degree in Architecture and Urban Design A.A. 2020 | 2021

1.1 Connection of the Yauza and Moscow river

ABSTRACT The project aims to develop an interconnected public area across the Yauza river which will have the potential to become a natural green corridor connecting the city center of Moscow with the natural reserve areas located in the northeast and east side of the suburban perimeter. It attempts to create a green chain of recreational zones by including existing parks and squares into a greater combined system. Within the ongoing urban policy, industrial zones at the outskirt of Moscow are going to be transformed primarily into residential or office functions, which makes the project of redevelopment of these nearriver territories potentially highly demanded. Meanwhile, new green units would also contribute to improving the quality of the existing urban tissue, enhancing the accessibility to natural resources of Yauza and the environmental sustainability of the local neighborhood.

PART I

INDEX / PART I

1.1 1.2

CHAPTER I / INTRO Introduction Moscow’s Urban Structure

9 11 15

2.1 2.2

CHAPTER II / PROJECT AREA Project Area Definition Park «Yauza»

21 23 27

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

CHAPTER III / URBAN PLANNING POLICY General Plan 2025 Research of Jan Gehl Program «My Street» The Standard

31 33 37 41 43

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

CHAPTER IV / GREEN CONTEXT Green Belt Typologies of Public Green Spaces Specially Protected Natural Areas Accessibility to Green Public Spaces Conclusion of Ch. III and Ch. IV

47 49 59 67 69 77

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8

CHAPTER V / CASE STUDIES Local Examples Moscow River Projects along the Moscow River Zaryadye Park GES - 2 Krymskaya Embankment Olive Beach Vorobyovy Gory

79 81 83 87 89 97 101 107 111

6.1 6.2 6.3

CHAPTER VI / INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE Embankments in Paris Madrid Río Cheonggyecheon, Seoul

115 117 123 129

PART I

CHAPTER I Intro

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Moscow’s Urban Structure

1.2 Moscow River

I INTRO

1.1 Introduction In the last 30 years after the end of the Soviet Union the Capital of Russia – Moscow experienced a sequence of radical metamorphosis, which mirrored not only in the political, social, and economical sphere but also in the urban fabric as well. This case of study allows closely observing how the development of a city and urban process went through adaptation and transformation to the new system of living of its citizens. “Architecture is a well of an epoch translated into space”. Mies Van der Rohe Moscow is a vivid illustration of this thought. During the Soviet era, Moscow was the scene of major political events. Not without contradiction, large-scale construction and grandiose projects aimed to be as “guiding star” in establishing and strengthening a position of epoch started after the October Revolution 1917. The ambition and scale of the urban artifacts built during this time might take the breath away. The urban organization of the modern Russian Capital, especially outside the historic city center, which occupies only 6.5 percent of the total area, is merit inherited by the socialist past. After the dissolution of the USSR, new political ideas and economic mechanisms being up to this moment extraneous and hostile took over the urban fabric. Moscow citizens remember this period under the name the “Lihie devyanostye” -»Dashing 90s”, because the changes were so rapid that many city processes went out of control. In 1991 the program of radical economic reforms proposed by Y. T. Gaidar, called «shock therapy», was approved. It was aimed at the fastest possible transition to the market economy. The liberalization of political views warmed up the “Wind of change”. Since this time the Russian Capital took a confident course for further explosive development playing by new rules.

The work would focus on the topic of development of one of the most high-potential Moscow’s urban elements – natural landscape. During the dynamic construction in the early 2000s, the creation and restoration of green public spaces receded into the background. Preference was given to projects that could bring a financial gain to the city - the construction of large shopping centers, housing, or buildings with high rental demand. In a situation of disregarding proper care, the existing parks and green areas fell into decay, which causes the reduction of attractiveness for the citizens. However, particularly from this urban natural element, Moscow started its transformation into a modern comfortable, and pleasant city. In 2013 Moscow Government invited Jan Gehl, a Danish architect, and urban design consultant, to produce the study and analysis of public spaces and public life in the Russian Capital. This work pointed out the main challenges for Moscow describing its background and gave recommendations on strategies for further urban improvements. “Moscow has many unique qualities – the Moscow River that gave Moscow its name, the rivers, and canals that supported trade for centuries, the forest close to the city center, the beautiful parks, etc. The qualities offer immense value to Moscow on which the city can capitalize even more so than it does today.” It might be seen that the biggest underestimated wealth of the Capital is natural landscaping, which with the right approach and treatment could be an accelerator of raising the living standards of its citizens. That is why the primary factor in the evaluation of the attractiveness of a city for investment and settle down are the quality and wild accessibility to recreation areas. Improvement of green areas chains inside of a city and organization of the connection between recreational zones in union natural system was a top-listed recommendation given by an expert of urban strategy - Jan Gehl. The presence of all the necessary natural components to ensure high-quality urban changes makes this topic undoubtedly relevant.

The discloser of the Moscow River’s potential as a tool for advancing the level of comfort for citizens and the creation of a continuous recreational area has been repeatedly discussed in the professional community. In 10 years several successful projects have been realized in the city center. It might make evident that interaction with this natural resource is absolutely realistic. The demonstrative success and the apparent interest of the citizens attracted the attention of the government and investors to the elaboration and implementation of such projects of public spaces in the urban fabric. However, in this work, the perspective will be shifted to the less wellknown Moscow water artery, which, although inferior in scale and celebrity, has an undiscovered potential for the local community. Yauza is the largest tributary of the Moscow River. Its source is located in the Losiny Ostrov National Park northeast of the capital, passes through Mytishchi, and flows into the Moscow River in the Tagansky District of the city center. The core part of the work is focused on the investigation of the development of coastal areas including parks near the river and the possibility of creating a “green corridor” connecting the city center and a green area located in the north of the capital. The best practice related to this topic would be analyzed in favor to produce the best possible solution.

Population settlement pattern and distribution of jobs 6.5% of territory 62% of workplace

Green areas occupy 34% of the total area of Moscow

93.5% of territory 92% of population

Number of residential buildings in Moscow by year of construction

I INTRO

1.2 Moscow’s Urban Structure The structure of the city formed by a historical radial-annular system strongly affects the organization of greenery linked within urban units. Moscow is almost the only Russian megalopolis that has avoided the re-planning and regularization that was common during the second half of the 18th and the early 19th centuries and maintained its medieval organization. The city center occupies 6.5% of the total area of the city and has highly dense low-rise urban tissue, meanwhile, the periphery has larger-scale units with high buildings and the less dense structure of its roads and streets network. As a result the construction of prefabricated houses on the perimeter led to the creation of an unusual profile of the city: the periphery is more dominant than the city center. The answer to this phenomenon can be found in the history of Russian capital development. With the coming of power of a new politician, Nikita Khrushchev urbanplanning policy experienced abrupt change. The city started to expand significantly with powerful expansion occurring in the course of the next decades as micro-districts. The construction of the new urban fabric took place on rural land that was joined to the city. In the period from 1956 to 1995 were erected 60% of Moscow’s buildings, and 93.5% of built-up areas in modern Moscow have been built over the past 60 years. The radial-annular model inherited from medieval times served as the basis for enormous territory development which formed the city’s outermost belt. Disbalance in the existing urban structure causes disharmony in the distribution and accessibility of public green areas. This effect is enhanced by the fact that nature reserves and water resources are also unevenly located. As a result, it is possible to observe that the pattern of recreational areas in the city center and in the periphery are different not only in scale but also in the term in density and possibility of creation of a continuing green chain.

History of Moscow development 1156

First timber fortress built 1482-1495 Moscow Kremlin

1536 - 1538 Kitay-gorod

Yauza river

Moscow river

1586 - 1593 Bely Gorod

1593 - 1792 Zemlyanoy Gorod

Yauza river

Moscow river

Yauza river

Moscow river

1806 - 1852 Kamer-Kollezhsky rampart

1917 Moscow Encircle Railway

1935 General plan of Moscow

1960 Moscow Automobile Ring Road

1984 City boundaries until 2012

2012 Current boundaries

Scheme of «Historical Circles»

Transport System Scheme

PART I

CHAPTER II Project Area

2.1 Project Area Definition 2.2 Park «Yauza»

Project area / City scale

II PROJECT AREA

2.1 Project Area Definition Yauza is the largest tributary of the Moskva River, the second largest river in the capital. Length is 48 km, within city limits - 29 km. It has a drainage basin of 452 square kilometers, within the city - 272 km2. Yauza starts from the swamps on the territory of Losiny Ostrov located northeast of Moscow. It crosses the town of Mytishchi, the villages of Tayninka and Perlovka, after which it enters the capital. The Yauza collects waters from many tributaries, most of them confined to underground sewers. In Moscow, it flows in the Medvedkov and Babushkin districts, crosses the Okruzhnaya railway, Prospekt Mira, Yaroslavskoe, Kazanskoe, and Kursk directions of the railway, the Garden Ring; joins the Moscow River in Tagansky District at the Bolshoy Ustinsky Bridge next to the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment tower. The Yauza has been mentioned in Russian chronicles since 1156. The exact origin of the name is unknown. Valleys of the Yauza, from the MKAD beltway in the north to the Moscow-Yaroslavl railway west of Sokolniki Park, are protected as natural reserves.

2.1 Yauza River / Bernikovskaya embankment

Definition of project area

Project area on the functional diagram of the Masterplan 2025 Legend:

2.2 Park «Yauza» Visualization

2.3 Park «Yauza» Visualization

II PROJECT AREA

2.2 Park «Yauza» It is important to mention that in 2020 began the development of a large-scale urban project in the upper part of the Yauza River in the North-East of Moscow. The Institute of the General Plan is working on a concept of the unity of territories along the Yauza River. The project proposes to connect already existing parks into one continuous green area of about 20 sq. km - «Super Park Yauza». There are many recreational zones in the North-East of Moscow, the longest of them, partially or completely, are located along the Yauza - VDNH, the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ostankino Park, Sokolniki, Garden of the Future, Aqueduct Park, National Park “Losiny Ostrov”. All of them nowadays are actively developing and improving. However, they exist independently of each other. The main reason for the disunity of these territories is the lack of comfortable pedestrian paths between them, especially at the intersection with highways and the river. In addition, the new project includes the restoration of the Yauza floodplain in the area of the Rostokin worsted-finishing factory, the expansion of transitional and bicycle connections under Mira Avenue, and the construction of a bridge that will connect Sokolniki and Losiny Ostrov. An unfinished ski complex and a construction waste dump in Yuzhny Medvedkovo will be converted into artificial hills. There is planned to organize public spaces and children’s slides made of metal, which will be possible to use all year round.

“The concept proposes the organization of comfortable pedestrian paths and cycling routes at the most problematic points of the territory along the river: on the site from the station of the Moscow Central Circle “Botanical Garden” to Krasnobogatyrskaya Street.” Sergey Kuznetsov, Chief Architect of Moscow

2.4 Park «Yauza» Visualization

2.5 Park «Yauza» Visualization

Concept of Park «Yauza»

PART I

CHAPTER III

Urban Planning Policy

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

General Plan 2025 Research of Jan Gehl Program «My Street» The Standard

Masterplan 2025

Legend:

Law of the City of Moscow dated May 5, 2010 No. 17 «On the General Plan of the City of Moscow»

III URBAN PLANNING POLICY

3.1 General Plan 2025 The Moscow authorities have always paid great attention to public green spaces. Each new master plan presented specific conceptual ideas for the development of parks and gardens. The urban planning strategy approved in 2010 was no exception. The new document continues the policy of organizing the urban landscape as a continuous system of natural areas, accompanied by the creation of new green areas and the transformation of existing ones. The city has a large number of industrial zones that have lost their original function and are now referred to as territories awaiting reorganization. Master Plan 2025 implies that at least 10% of these spaces must be reserved for future landscaping. Master Plan 2025 considered that the improvement and renaturalization of the channels of small rivers flowing into the Moscow river would become one of the tools to ensure the unity of the natural system of the city. The Yauza, Likhoborka, Setun, Chertanovka, Kotlovka, Ramenki, and other small tributaries of the capital are waiting for the transformation. With the help of these water resources, green wedges will pass from the periphery to the core of the city center, which will improve the ecological situation and raise the quality of life. It is interesting to note that the appearance of the new Master Plan 2025 has generated many comments from the professional community. For example, an entire issue of «Project Russia» magazine #57 «Stolitsa» (Capital) of 2010 was dedicated to the analysis of this urban planning document. In particular, the articles indicated some shortcomings. For instance, the Master Plan 2025 didn’t demonstrate solutions for the problem of insufficient greening of the city center. Although at that time this question was quite actual. Referring to the data of the newspaper «Komsomolskaya Pravda» each citizen living in this area had only 1.6 sq. m of green territory, while the World Health Organization recommended 8 sq. m by a person. The authors were concerned that the topic of street greening was ignored in this context, even though this linear urban component is very important in the landscape of the city and could increase the percentage of green areas. Also, the General Plan 2025 didn’t highlight the issue of equal accessibility of the capital’s population to public green areas.

Main indicators of development of specially protected natural areas, natural and green areas

Law of the City of Moscow dated May 5, 2010 No. 17 «On the General Plan of the City of Moscow»

Besides, the professional community had a lack of confidence in the relevance of the idea of merging green wedges, stretching from the city center to the periphery, with a continuous woodland park area. Because at this time the green belt around Moscow, which was originally intended to ensure a smooth transition from an urbanized environment to a rural one, has been actively built up. And soon the unity of the WPPB irrevocably disappeared. Comparing the previous General Plan approved in 1999, the authors of the magazine were pointing out a perceptible continuity in the Moscow greening program. In this way, the vast majority of natural and green areas from the latest urban planning document appear on the maps of the General Plan 2025, but there was a tangible dissonance. Masterplan of 1999 with a population of up to 10 million people provided 33.4 thousand hectares of green and natural territories, while the General Plan 2025 with a population of up to 12 million people had only 34.8 thousand hectares. The imbalance in the provision of green areas per person in these conditions seems to be quite large. 10 years passed since the new General Plan was accepted. During this time, several large-scale urban projects have been carried out in the capital, that improve the quality of the urban environment.

Key conclusions: parks and embankments

III URBAN PLANNING POLICY

3.2 Research of Jan Gehl In 2013 the Moscow government invited danish urbanist, Jan Geil, to do research on the current state of the capital and to identify weaknesses of the urban tissue. At that time, Moscow was an extremely chaotic city; a kingdom of cars, where the rights of pedestrians were severely infringed; there was a big problem with the organization of the transport system; the facades were full of advertisements; many public spaces were either neglected or abandoned. The list of problems was massive. During this time, the urban landscaping of Moscow had very low quality. Although exactly this parameter determined the level of attractiveness and hospitality of the city. From the key points of observations related to public green spaces, interaction with water resources, and the development of a pedestrian system, it is possible to underline several theses: 1. Moscow is wealthy with natural resources. The city has a large area of greenery and parks, as well as a long front of embankments that connects the main city’s attractions. However, the accessibility of these urban elements is extremely limited. Most of the embankments are used for car traffic. The central streets of the capital suffered from the lack of trees and park areas. 2. «Moscow is a compact city, perfect for walking and cycling due to its short distance, wide streets and flat terrain.» But due to the poor quality of the urban environment and undeveloped cycling infrastructure, people prefer to use cars, which in turn create traffic and parking problems. 3. There is also the problem of unification of urban and green public spaces. Many parks and squares have the same purpose and design. There is a lack of functional diversity, local context, and identity.

Recommendations to waterfronts 3.1

Particularly interesting are the notes about the Moscow embankments: Traffic flow as a barrier “The use of almost all embankments as transport routes creates a barrier between the city and the river. Dense traffic also maintains a high level of noise, discouraging people from using the embankments for walking.” Poor communication with nearby public areas “Many Moscow sights are located near the embankments, but there is practically no connection with the river, both visually and physically. There is no feeling of being close to the river in Red Square.” It’s hard to walk along the river “Today it is impossible to walk along the river for a long time because of all kinds of obstacles that interrupt the walk. The roadway, parking, and other barriers often get in the way.” It’s complicated to get down to the water “The high coast makes it very difficult to get to the water in most places. There are few opportunities for pedestrians to get close to the river. The water resource might be interpreted as a barrier but not a part of a city.” The study of danish urbanist Jan Geil not only clearly and comprehensively demonstrated the key problems of capital, but also provided an excellent basis for the further development of Moscow. All recommendations were taken into consideration for urban planning strategy in the following years. Looking back the capital upgraded in an amazing way. The biggest changes happened in the city center, and currently, there is work in progress to improve the quality of the urban environment in the middle part and on the periphery. However, the transformation process has been started and there is still a lot of work ahead. Gehl Architects (2013) Moscow - Towards a great city for people / Institute of Genplan Moscow, Moscow

3.2 Embankment of the Moscow River

“The creation of a comfortable urban environment doesn’t have only aesthetic value. In fact, these are full-fledged development projects, thanks to which modern cities attract active people and investments, develop tourism, and stimulate economic activity. Moscow is no exception. The economic effect of the improvement of streets and parks is estimated at tens of billions of rubles in an additional income of city businesses, billions of rubles in additional budget revenues, and tens of thousands of created and saved jobs in trade, public catering, services, and many related industries.”

Sergey Sobyanin, Mayor of Moscow

3.3 Yakimanskaya embankment after transformation

III URBAN PLANNING POLICY

3.3 Program «My Street» «My Street» is a program for the complex improvement of Moscow streets, which took place from 2015 to 2018. The city has long required updating the urban public spaces, implementation of modern standards, and improving the quality of the soft mobility system. One of the main goals of the project was the reconstruction of the street network and the creation of a favorable environment for the citizens. The program was based on the concept of a «pedestrian center» proposing to «return» the streets to pedestrians and cyclists and reducing the space for cars. The program was carried out in several stages. The citizens had voting on the “Active Citizen” website, based on which a waiting list of streets for renovation was formed. The main strategies for improving the urban environment were transformation and expansion of pedestrian zones, renovation of sidewalks, facades, and lighting, creation of cycle paths, planting green, and distribution of small architectural forms for rest. Illegal external advertisements were demolished and the electrical wires covering the sky were removed. This approach allowed to reduce “visual noise” and make the streets more recognizable and cleaner. Widescale works were made around the whole city, but the main focus was on the infrastructure of the center. The program «My Street» united many professionals. More than 30 architectural workshops from Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, China, Denmark, Switzerland, the USA, and France were participating in the creation of the new look of the Moscow streets. The changes affected also the embankments. Along the Moscow River, the pedestrian part was expanded by narrowing the car roads and were organized the bike flow. In some areas, trees and bushes have been planted and recreation places appeared. The lighting system played an important role. It made a walk along the river more safe and attractive during the dark time. At the end of 2015 in total 47 streets were renovated. In 2016 - 52 streets, seven entry groups at the intersection of the Moscow Ring Road and the highway, 14 squares near metro stations. In the third stage of 2017, it was planned to reconstruct more than 80 streets with a total length of 50 km, mainly within the Garden Ring. The program «My Street» had the biggest improvement of the urban tissue in the modern history of Moscow.

3.4

3.5

0,5

3.6

3.7

III URBAN PLANNING POLICY

3.4 The Standard In 2019, the standard for integrated development of territories produced by specialists of the Ministry of construction of Russia, DOM. RF and KB Strelka was released. This new methodological document provides a wide range of tools for creating high-quality multifunctional buildings and open spaces in accordance with the needs and requests of residents, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the development of russian cities and the best international practices in the formation and transformation of the urban environment. The Standard pays special attention to the principles of working with public green areas. 79% of russians say proximity to nature is the second most important indicator of the quality of life in the city after safety. There are also great concerns about existing environmental problems. The basis of the environmental safety of residents is to ensure high air quality in open urban spaces. Most of all harmful emissions into the atmosphere are car exhaust: up to 80-90 % in large and mediumsized cities of Russia. Through planning and landscaping, it is possible to reduce the negative impact of automobile traffic. These funds include the placement of green areas — parks and squares - on the residential and multifunctional zones, as well as the planting of dense greenery and the organization of artificial terrain elements that prevent the spread of dust and noise from the roadway. Those measures would also increase the acoustic comfort of citizens. The effects that arise from the arrangement of new green areas also include a rise of microclimatic comfort in open spaces, including reducing wind speed or, on the contrary, stimulating air flows in calm hot weather, creating shade, and softening the effect of a heat island due to evaporation from the crown surface. Natural absorption into the ground and preservation of moisture in green areas helps to reduce the load on storm sewers and the risk of flooding of streets.

The creation of infrastructure for year-round leisure in open spaces contributes to the all-season activity of citizens, improving their health. The duration of outdoor recreation can be provided through the design of landscaping elements according to prevailing winds; the organization of water access; sun, wind, and noise protection structures, etc. Regulation of the availability of green areas, taking into account the intensity of greenery, contributes to the most complete achievement of all the positive effects of gardening and increases the comfort of citizens in residential and multifunctional areas. Additionally, it gives greater freedom in urban planning by saving space in open spaces.

3.8

3.9

PART I

CHAPTER IV Green Context

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

Green Belt Typologies of Public Green Spaces Specially Protected Natural Areas Accessibility to Green Public Spaces Conclusion for Ch. III and Ch. IV

4.1

1935 Population Total, mil. people Moscow WPPB

4.2

1961 3.9 3.6 0.3

Territories Total, thsd. ha Moscow WPPB Cities and urban village

204.5 60.5 144.0 14.0

Population Total, mil. people Moscow WPPB

7.2 6.3 0.7

Territories Total, thsd. ha Moscow WPPB Cities and urban village

4.3

1985 Population Total, mil. people Moscow WPPB

267.5 87.5 180.0 17.3

4.4

1995 10.0 8.6 1.4

Territories Total, thsd. ha Moscow WPPB Cities and urban village

266.2 103.8 162.4 21.8

Population Total, mil. people Moscow WPPB

9.9 8.6 1.3

Territories Total, thsd. ha Moscow WPPB Cities and urban village

266.2 103.8 162.4 22.9

4.1 Green Belt IV GREEN CONTEXT

The woodland park protective belt of Moscow (WPPB) is an essential natural element in the urban development concept of the capital, which has its roots in the era of industrialization. As a reservoir of clean air, it provided improvements to the environment and served to crucial urbanplanning mission by organically linking city and suburban landscapes. For the first time, the creation of a woodland park protective belt was proposed in the General Plan of the reconstruction of Moscow in 1935. The city was surrounded by a 10 km width zone of underdeveloped, richly planted, and watered territories, which formed a united, branched green system of the capital. The natural belt was supposed not only to perform a health-improving function for urban microclimate and recovered the environmental situation but also to provide a possibility for the formation of new recreation areas. One of the goals of organizing existing natural resources was to create a connection between the greenery in the city and the surrounding forests through a chain of gardens, boulevards, squares, and parks, thereby shaping urban green corridors. Furthermore, WPPB had to limit the territorial expansion of urban development by maintaining the boundaries of the city with a strict prohibition of further construction within the green belt. It is important to notice that the natural belt was outlined behind the reserve development area of Moscow, which made it possible to save the city’s borders until the end of the 1950s. Initially, the area of the green reserve was 144 thousand hectares, and by the end of the 1940s, it increased to 168 thousand hectares. At the time of the beginning of the formation of WPPB, on its territory were six districts, three cities - Kuntsevo, Lyublino, Losinoostrovsk, 15 workers, and 27 summer settlement. Inside of the green belt of Moscow lived no more than 270 thousand people and the population density did not exceed 4.5 persons per hectare.

WPPB - Woodland Park Protection Belt

At the same time with the formation of a woodland park protective belt on the periphery, a ring of parks was created around the historical center, which included Vorobyovy Gory, Fili, Serebryany Bor, Pokrovskoye, Timiryazevo, Ostankino, Sokolniki, Izmailovo, Kuskovo. The resulting green system of the city served as the basis for the subsequent organization of green wedges in the General Plan for the development of Moscow in 1971. In 1941 defensive lines passed through the forests of the Podmoskovye (Moscow region) and the woodland parks of Moscow. Thousands of trees were used for the construction of 410 kilometers of anti-tank fortifications. As a result, the forest resources of the north-western, western, and south-western territories were seriously damaged. In the post-war period, the Council of Ministers of the USSR devoted special resolution «On the measures to create a 50-kilometer green zone around Moscow» in order to recover nature and prevent negative consequences of the new wave of abundant construction. However, settlements located on the territories of WPPB grew ahead of the development of the necessary elements of the green belt. This situation happened because of the placement of new industries that stimulated an increase in the population.

4.5 The village «Lenino» 1930 - 1950

In 1960 Moscow expanded its borders through the addition of the territories reserved by the General Plan of 1935 with an area of about 34 thousand hectares within a radius of 15-17 km from the city center. At the same moment, the woodland park protective belt received new boundaries. The Green zone was determined almost the same - 172.5 thousand hectares, while the capital increased by 3 times. The population of the green belt accounted for more than 20% of the population of Moscow and about 50% of people worked in the capital. The population density in WPPB was about 520 people per 1 sq. km. The long-overdue conflict between the development of suburbs as industrial centers and the inviolability of the natural belt was resolved by a compromise: there was considered the possibility of multifunctional use. In this way, “zones of limited construction” appeared in the structure of WPPB alternated with “recreational zones”. However, over time, this approach demonstrated its inefficiency and couldn’t constrain the growth of cities located in Moscow’s green reserve. Since the unity of the green belt was broken in some areas by massive strips of urban development and didn’t represent a continuous system of green areas essential for the city, the masterplan for the development of Moscow in 1971 contributed to the expansion of woodland park territories to about 275 thousand hectares. Therefore, to ensure the stability of the natural belt it was decided to include the adjacent undeveloped territories of the region, which had particular natural qualities for creating recreation areas in the future. New industrial construction was forbidden and a new urban policy was accepted for stabilization of the number of the population living in WPPB. The territorial growth of cities and villages was strictly limited, and the number of existing settlements was significantly reduced due to their enlargement. Besides, according to the General Plan of Moscow in 1971, it was planned creation of several natural, historical and cultural reserves.

In 1972 the «Scheme for District Planning of Moscow Region» prioritized the principle of zoning and the development of the region by sector. This approach significantly affected the natural belt. It started the division into wedges of specially protected areas, while the space between them was occupied by construction. Thus, in several points where the Moscow agglomeration developed along the main transport routes, the woodland park protective belt was “torn apart”. During this period, the green territory decreased by 30 thousand hectares and the ecological state got worse. In 1970-1980 the woodland park protective belt had a particular function in the general structure of the Moscow region: it played a significant role in sanitary-hygienic microclimate improvements for the air pool of capital. The outer territories of the suburban area located beyond the boundaries of the green belt used for farming. At this time cities and settlements of WPPB in the conditions of the rapid development of the national economic complex became an integral part of the urbanplanning structure of Moscow. This fact affected the state of natural reserves, which deteriorated over time. Also, the visual distinction between the periphery of Moscow and the surrounding agglomerations was erased due to the start of multistorey pre-fabrication construction. All masterplans of Moscow that were issued till nowadays have been implemented with great distortions. The territory of the city splashed out beyond the natural boundaries because the increase of population outran the expected growth by almost two times. The consequences were critical: they required an intensified expansion of housing construction and complicated the transport system. Unfortunately, no other solutions have been found than to continue building up urban units. Since the 1980s, the MKAD (Moscow Ring Road) has stopped to function as a barrier for city growth and the intensive development of the adjacent external territories has begun. This fact exacerbated the tendency for further inclusion of lands of the woodland park protective belt to Moscow.

In 1935 woodland park protective belt of Moscow was the main urban concept that determines the ecological state of the capital. Over time, it became clear that the idea of limiting the growth of the city was carried out only formally. Thus, out of more than 500 harmful sanitary-hygienic enterprises planned to displace from Moscow by the first General Plan of 1935, only a few have left the capital. During the General Plan of 1971, out of more than 300 environmentally destructive industries, only fifteen moved out of the city. In the same period, hundreds of enterprises were built in the woodland park protective belt of Moscow as an «exception». The consequence was rapid population growth. It was evident that any urban strategies might fail in these conditions. In the period from 1984 to 1990, the territories of WPPB located near Ring Road were included in the borders of Moscow: Solntsevo, Butovo, Novopodrezkovo, Mitino, Severny, Kosino-Zhulebino. The capital has increased its area by more than 10 thousand hectares.

4.6 Moscow agglomeration

Cities of WPPB: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Legend:

Odintsovo Khimki Krasnogorsk Dolgoprudny Mytishchi Balashikha Reutov Lyubertsy Vidnoe Lytkarino Kotelniki

It should be noted that in the 1990s, there were attempts to improve the condition of the woodland park protective belt of Moscow. In 19901991 the government developed a new General Plan of Moscow and the Moscow region, which paid great attention to the green reserves; and in 1992 was issued a document “Main directions of Moscow and the Moscow region for the period up to 2010”, which confirmed that the territory of the green belt would become “the inner zone of the Moscow agglomeration” and would have the rigid regime of construction regulation. But in 1993, Moscow and the Moscow region received an equal status of subjects of the Federation during the admission of the new Constitution of the Russian Federation. This fact deprived Moscow of its priority right to control the WPPB. Since the moment Moscow boundaries expanded beyond a Ring Road, it stopped to be possible to consider capital in isolation from the 11 cities of the woodland park protective belt: they turned into a united urban system. Those developed settlements with large-scale industry created additional environmental difficulties. With time the narrow woodland park belt has lost its protective purpose. The free territories reserved for landscaping disappeared, the areas of «green wedges» were reduced, the integrity of the natural protective belt was violated. Nowadays, soils, surface and underground waters, and the atmospheric air of WPPB are heavily polluted. Forests are destroyed, and natural systems are degrading. Since the beginning of 1991, due to the rapid development of WPPB, its natural recovery and recreational function for the capital has been lost. Despite the fact, that Moscow enacted laws on specially protected natural areas and zones of special regulation of urban planning activities, the ecological situation is not yet significantly improved.

4.7 Moscow periphery

When Moscow went beyond the Moscow Ring Road, it could not be viewed in isolation from the 11 cities of the forest-park protective belt, densely surrounding the capital. These are developed settlements with large-scale industry, which creates additional environmental difficulties. The already narrow forest-park belt has lost its protective purpose. Moscow is faced with a number of environmental problems. The free territories reserved for landscaping and public centers were lost, the areas of «green wedges» were reduced, the integrity of the forest-park protective belt was violated. To date, soils, surface and underground waters, and the atmospheric air of LPZP are heavily polluted, forests are being destroyed, and natural systems are being degraded. Since the beginning of 1991, due to the rapid development of LPZP, its nature restoration and recreational function for the Moscow region has been lost. In the town-planning legislation of the Moscow Region, the concept of the “forest-park protective belt of Moscow” has been lost. Despite the fact that Moscow adopted laws on specially protected natural areas and on zones of special regulation of urban planning activities, it was not possible to improve the situation.located within the forest-park protective belt of Moscow as an «exception». The consequence was a rapid population growth. Naturally, any general plans for the capital were doomed to failure in such conditions.

Public green spaces

Legend:

Green public spaces play an important role in creating a comfortable urban environment. Green areas cover 34% of the entire territory of Moscow and have great potential for further development. The Russian capital ranks first in the area of parks per capita among the 11 largest cities in the world, according to a study by the consulting company PricewaterhouseCoopers. About 90% of citizens have access to parks within walking distance.

Skver Typologies of public green

IV GREEN CONTEXT

4.2 Typologies of Public Green Spaces

Notes: The typology of public green spaces is generalized and doesn’t consider the detailed features of each of the green spaces in Moscow. The brief description indicates the general parameters of the collective image inherent in this typology and doesn’t reflect in some cases the borderline properties of green space.

The Skver (square) is a small green area located in dense urban tissue and dedicated for short-term rest, walks, meetings, transit traffic. It can also serve as a spatial design of squares and streets. The main element of the skver is the central zone with a sculpture, a fountain, a flower garden or a picturesque group of greenery. It has a simpler architecturalplanning structure than the park, has a smaller assortment of plants and less attention to relief and landscaping.

Park

Parks with large green areas play an essential role in Moscow’s urban structure. They are compact and tightly rooted in the fabric of the capital. Parks can be both city and district scale. They provide citizens a long-term stay in the fresh air. The parks ensure all kinds of active and passive recreation among green spaces. An important characteristic is the presence of functional zoning for children, sports, cultural, entertainment, and educational zones and areas for quiet rest. It can also contain open spaces for mass celebrations and concerts. The parks have a complex and expressive spatial organization; wide alleys intertwine with a variety of walking paths. Landscaping design is a significant element in those urban green areas. Greenery components can change their characteristics depending on the functional area and aesthetic aspect. In parks, there is numerous amount of trees, which in summer create shadows for cooling, and prevent the wind in winter. The layout of the park should take into account year-round use. In this order, the structure of the green zone is flexible to accommodate winter activities. On the territory of the parks, there may be located exhibition, educational, museum pavilions, cafes, and restaurants, as well as rental points for bicycles, boats, and sports equipment. Park is the most numerous type among public green areas in Moscow.

Typologies of public green spaces: Forest Park

A forest park is a large wood area intended for recreation. Its territory has a landscape that preserved the natural ecosystem and forest environment. Moscow’s forest parks are a connecting element between city parks and the forests of the green belt. Their natural structure, flora, and fauna are maintained in pristine condition. Those green areas have a nature conservation status and have activity restrictions. The forest park contains a developed system of walking routes among natural landscapes. Additionally, there are organized zones with recreation infrastructure.

City Historical Garden

The city’s gardens have a historical origin. This is a small green area in the central part of the city, which in most cases was organized in a planning structure of town manor. The gardens were originally private properties but later turned to be open to the public. The preserved landscape layout is an object of cultural heritage and is protected by the state. The city’s historic gardens provide quiet recreation and if the size of territory is enough big it can additionally contain playground and sportive zones.

Manor Park

This type of park is a historically formed large scale green area near a manor located on the periphery of a city. The ensemble of the manor park usually includes the main house, living outbuildings, ponds, orchards, etc. The entire garden-park complex has historical and cultural value and is protected by the state. The manor is transformed into a museum or has another function. This type of parks have a regular compositional structure and their historic landscaping is preserved. Those green areas are a great place for long walks because they have a large territory with a variety of pathes in the picturesque nature.

Typologies of public green spaces: Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is a green area with a wide collection of wood, shrub, and herbaceous plants for research and educational purposes. On the territory of Moscow, there are several botanical gardens and arboretums with a rich history. They have the status of cultural heritage and rare plants are protected by the state. Botanical gardens have a unique landscape-spatial organization and expressive greenery compositions.

Historical Cemetery

The ancient cemetery is a memorial-ritual park which has a significant cultural and historical importance. It is protected by the state. Monuments and memorials have a great sculptural value. Vegetation emphasizes the expressiveness of the spatial composition organization of the necropolis. Historically, most of the cemeteries were built around churches and monasteries.

Boulevard

Boulevard is a part of the soft mobility system. The green area along the roads or embankments of various widths is intended for pedestrian transit traffic and short-term rest. The Moscow Boulevard Ring in the city center is an important element in the pedestrian system, which unites iconic urban spaces into one system. During holidays Boulevard Ring can hold festivals and celebrations.

In the 1920s - 1940s, the government of the USSR carried out a program to liquidate old cemeteries located within the city boundaries during the «anti-religious campaign». In addition to the ideological motive, this phenomenon was part of the urban planning policy. The historically established urban structure of Moscow, including numerous cemeteries, held back the development of the city that was rapidly growing under industrialization. Parks, residential buildings, and even production facilities were built on the freed-up territories.

Typologies of public green spaces: Skver • 0.5 - 2 ha • Short term stay • Passive recreation / Short walk / Transition path through the urban structure • Lawn / Flower garden / Few trees and bushes around the perimeter

City Historical Garden • 0.5 - 5 ha • Long term stay • Passive recreation / Short walk / Optionally playground and sportive zones • Preservation of historic landscaping

Park • From 10 - 500 ha • Long term stay • Active and Passive recreation / Wild range of different activities for all age groups / Mass cultural events • Numerous variety of plants / Greenery zoning / Relief organization

Manor Park • Up to 400 ha • Long term stay • Passive recreation / Long walk / Exploration of the history • Preservation of historic landscaping / Large areas occupied by green array / Optionally orchards

Typologies of public green spaces: Botanical Garden • Up to 150 ha • Long term stay • Passive recreation / Long walk / Exploration of nature • Unique collection of plants / Selection of species

Forest Park • Up to 12.000 ha • Long term stay • Passive recreation / Long walk / Exploration of nature • Preservation of the natural landscape and diversity of flora and fauna

Boulevard • Short term stay • Passive recreation / Walk / Transition path through the urban structure • Lawn / Flower garden / Linear planting of trees and shrubs

4.8 Zaryadye Park 4.9 Museum-Reserve «Kolomenskoye»

4.10 Gorky Park 4.11 Krymskaya Embankment

Specially protected natural areas

Legend:

Major protected natural areas:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Natural and Historical Park «Bitsevsky Forest» Landscape reserve «Teply Stan» Natural reserve «Valley of the Setun River» Natural reserve «Vorobyovy Gory» Natural monument «Serebryagy Bor» Natural and Historical Park «Moskvoretsky» Natural monument «Shchukinsky peninsula» Natural and historical park «Pokrovskoe-Sreshnevo» Natural and historical park «Tushinsky» Landscape reserve «Valley of the Skhodnya River in Kurkino»

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

Complex reserve «Petrovsko-Razumovskoe» Natural and historical park «Ostankino» Natural and historical park «Sokolniki» Losiny Ostrov National Park Natural and historical park «Izmailovo» Natural and historical park «Kuskovo» Natural and historical park «Kosinsky» Natural and historical park «Kuzminki-Lyublino» Natural and historical park «Tsaritsyno»

IV GREEN CONTEXT

4.3 Specially Protected Natural Areas Moscow has a valuable natural environment that converges in green wedges towards the city center. A rare variety of vegetation has been preserved on the territory of the woodland park belt. The fauna in some parts of natural reserves consisted of about 200 species. In the megalopolis, where 12.5 million people live on a small piece of land, the pressure on natural areas is very high. Therefore, the preservation of unique ecosystems has always been a priority when developing urban planning concepts. Specially protected natural areas (SPNA) created in Moscow, where interference with the ecosystem has been reduced to a minimum level, occupy more than 17 thousand hectares, inhabited by 569 species of plants and animals listed in the Moscow Red Book. Losiny Ostrov is considered to be the largest forest park on the European continent, located within the city limits. However, Moscow continues to actively develop, the potential for creating new protected areas is far from being exhausted. On the contrary, the creation of preserved areas is an essential part of Moscow’s development program. Each new protected territory is a unique natural object. This can be an extraordinary landscape, rare trees, and plants, bird nesting sites, or animal habitats; often - a combination of many factors at once.

Walking distance diagram

IV GREEN CONTEXT

4.4 Accessibility to Green Public Spaces To ensure a comfortable urban environment it is important not only to have a large amount of green public spaces but also to provide a high level of walking distance accessibility. In the situation when green areas are located near residential units, citizens will not use public transport or car to come, preferring walking or driving a bike. The reduction in the use of vehicles will improve the traffic situation and decrease carbon dioxide emissions. As a result of walking distance accessibility to green public areas, the ecology and quality of urban tissue could significantly improve. Nowadays most of the citizens of megapolises spend a lot of time in sitting positions while working on the computer that greatly affects health. It is a known fact that to maintain well-being it is necessary to do physical activities every day: exercise or walking. That is why the development of a pleasant pedestrian system should be highly prioritized in urban strategy. Improved soft mobility system combined with accessible public green areas might do a big difference for citizen’s health. In 2019 the research led by the University of Exeter using data of 20,000 people in England found a straight relationship between time spent on nature and health condition. The discovered summery was “People who spend at least 120 minutes in nature a week are significantly more likely to report good health and higher psychological wellbeing than those who don’t visit nature at all during an average week”. In addition, it was mentioned that: “There is growing evidence that merely living in a greener neighborhood can be good for health, for instance by reducing air pollution. The data for the current research came from Natural England’s Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment Survey, the world’s largest study collecting data on people’s weekly contact with the natural world.”

Pedestrian accessibility to public green areas / Size S

Pedestrian accessibility to public green areas / Size M

Pedestrian accessibility to public green areas / Size L

Pedestrian accessibility to all public green areas

Legend:

Residential areas with lack of accessibility to public green areas

Legend:

For the study of the accessibility of green public spaces of Moscow, all areas were divided by size – S, M, and L. According to each type were defined comfortable walking distance – 250 m, 500 m, and 1km which might be covered by 3 min – 15 min walking. This research is demonstrating the pattern of distribution of green facilities around the city. It can be identified that the city center has a dense concentration of “green island” while L size natural territories are equally spread on the perfidy of Moscow. Medium size public green areas also seem to be located evenly, although it is noticeable that the east and west parts of the city have less amount of such zones than on north and south. Joining all green areas together with their accessibility radius demonstrated the territories of residential units that possibly experienced a lack of natural facilities. The last diagrams of green area distribution show the gap between a dense city center and a wild periphery. However, this study had several generalizations. For example, it was not taking into account the transport borders or fences which might cut accesses to parks or the existence of wild greenery in courtyards majority of which also have inner children playground and sports facilities. This research provided a general idea about the balance of distribution of green public spaces of capital by their location and demonstrated a visual basis for further work. As we can see Moscow has high potential to develop a large chain of green spaces connecting them in one united soft mobility system.

4.5 Conclusion for Ch. III and Ch. IV Chapter III and Chapter IV had the aim to wildly demonstrate to context for the thesis project. Masterplan 2025 was ambiguous. The professional community met it with a lot of questions. Although the proposed direction found response in many urban projects. One of the key points to confirm the relevance of the thesis topic was the intention to develop coastal territories of Moscow river tributaries to ensure the unity of green public spaces of Moscow. In 10 years russian capital significantly changed. Research of danish urbanist Jan Gehl brightly emphasized the main city problems which especially escalated in the 90s. However, comparing this study and the nowadays appearance of Moscow it is noticeable that all recommendations were taken into consideration and were realized with context reality. The transformation started from the city center and a lot of areas still waiting for further development. In the chapter Program «My Street» it might be seen that the Moscow government see the improvement of quality of urban environment not only in prism to provide comfortable living spaces to citizens but also as a tool to accelerate the economy of the city. It is not a secret that pleasant cities are very attractive for highly qualified specialists and entrepreneurs. Investments in public spaces will come back with profit from local businesses. It is a win-win deal for all participants of the city economy. After the identification of the major points in urban planning policies, it was important to study the green context of Moscow. Before proposing the local solution for Yauza river, it was decided to zoom out on the whole park system of the capital to have a complete idea about green areas organization and their distribution. Work started from the discovery of the Woodland Park Protection Belt which played a significant role in city development and highlighted the original relationship between green territories in the city center and peripheries. Typologies of green public spaces gave a general representation of qualities and functional content of Moscow parks and accentuate local features. Study of accessibility to green public spaces provided the image of patterns depending on the size of the green zone and location in the city. Additionally, it allowed to identify the districts with a lack of natural territories and emphasizes the potential of development of a soft mobility system in the context of a united chain of green public spaces.

PART I

CHAPTER V Case Studies

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8

Local Examples Moscow River Projects near Moscow River Zaryadye Park GES - 2 Krymskaya Embankment Olive Beach Vorobyovy Gory

Attractions along the Moscow River:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Kremlin Saint Basil’s Cathedral Zaryadye Park Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building GES-2 (museum) Theater of Estrade Peter the Great Statue New Tretyakov Gallery Gorky Park Ministry of Defence

12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

Russian Academy of Sciences Vorobyovy Gory Moscow State University Luzhniki Stadium Novodevichy Convent Moscow Kiyevsky Railway Station Hotel Ukraina Russian White House Moscow International Business Center North River Terminal Novospassky Monastery Museum-Reserve «Kolomenskoye»

V CASE STUDIES

5.1 Local Examples The transformation of the coastal areas of the Yauza will begin with a review of the precedents for the development of the Moscow River. Despite the large contradiction in scale, historical, and urban significance, these two water resources have many similar qualities and problems. Being in the same cultural and climatic context and drawing common parallels, the Moscow River can share its valuable experience. Therefore, by analyzing the projects that have been implemented over the past 10 years on the main waterway of the capital, it will possible to identify the main techniques and tools that might be useful for further work. They will help to form a conceptual basis for the urban planning strategy for the development of Yauza. The ideas for the development of the coastal territories of the Moscow River is an excellent example of how the potential of the water resource was disclosed and highlighted after years of being neglected. This waterway is important not only in terms of improving the ecological situation through the creation of a continuous chain of public green spaces and tourist, passenger, and cargo flow, but it also illuminates the cultural and historical image of the city. The work with water resources always had an essential part in urban strategy of the capital. In the coming years, 64 km of new embankments and 40 public centers will appear in city. These proposals are included in the concept for the development of the embankments, which won an international competition held in 2014. Legend: Bridges:

“This work can be divided into two parts - the renovation of historic embankments and the creation of new embankments for recreation near the water, special attention is paid to the formation of an accessible and comfortable urban environment. At the same time, there is an idea to connect all the capital’s embankments into a single pedestrian route, so that a person can, for example, cross the entire city by bicycle without discomfort.”

Sergey Kuznetsov, Chief Architect of Moscow

Development of Embankments:

28.4 km Embankments are included in the 2017-2020 development plan 6.7 km Definition and planning 21.7 km Planning and execution 61.4 km Completed

5.1 View from the Babegorodskaya dam 1899 - 1900

V CASE STUDIES

5.2 Moscow River The first urban planning projects on the waterways of the city appeared in antiquity. Due to large seasonal fluctuations in the level of rivers, shipping was difficult, and floods were dangerous. In 1783-1786, the Vodootvodny Canal was built along the bend of the river near the Kremlin to protect it from floods and allow water to pass through during the repair of bridges. The modern view of the Moscow River and Yauza is the result of the urban planning policy of the 1930s. By this time, it became obvious that the reconstruction of the embankments was necessary. It was required not only because the state of the coastline was deplorable, the main waterway of the capital had to become a part of the grandiose hydraulic engineering structure - the Moscow-Volga canal. In order to raise the water level of the river, solid stone embankments were required along the entire length. The plan for watering Moscow pursued three main goals: to increase the water supply rate for each citizen from 135 to 500-600 liters per day because of the rapid growth of the Moscow population in the 1920s - 1930s from 1 million inhabitants in 1920 to 3.6 million in 1936 caused a serious shortage of drinking water; to clean up and refill the channel of the Moscow River and its tributaries; to lay new sipping routes and increase the share of river traffic. Work began in 1931: firstly the embarkment near the Kremlin was repaired, then those that were located further away. In 1935, the territory along the Moscow River became one of the most important components of the new General Plan of the city. It was supposed to make wide cross-cutting highways along the embankments. However, in pursuit of transport convenience, the city had to sacrifice something. In pre-revolutionary Moscow, there were many descents to the river. In the 1930s, the main focus turned on water transport access only. The river with numerous descents to it in the city center could become very narrow. Its width was just over 90 meters. Therefore, the arrangement of lowered walking levels along the waterfront wasn’t foreseen anywhere, except for one place on Vorobyovy Gory.

Life of Moscow River 1

5.2 Flood 1925

5.4 View of the river from Neskuchny Sad 1930

5.6 Krymskaya embankment 1938-1940

5.3 Water station of the Central House of the Red Army / 1930

5.5 Swimming pool on the Moskva River 1931-1933

5.7 Beach near Gorky Park / 1953

After the reconstruction of the embankments in the 1930s, they were divided into three types. The first was citywide, where the roadway was a priority, and the building was constructed later. The second one was a park embankment - the main space was given for the walks of the citizens. In addition, there was a lower level of access to water. And the third option was port. It should be noted that later the high stone embankments complicated the relationship between the Moscow River and the adjacent public spaces. With the rapid development of industry, the recreational function has faded into the background. However, today the trend of development of embankments and their relationship with the urban fabric is certainly relevant. In a large metropolis, there might be a lack of green urban spaces, and a transformation of coastal areas could improve the situation. The capital has several examples where the water resource was the main character in the creation of public space and was its figurative inspiration.

Viewpoint diagram

Location of projects

V CASE STUDIES

5.3 Projects along the Moscow River

5.8 Embankment next to Zaryadye Park

V CASE STUDIES

5.4 Zaryadye Park Zaryadye was built on the site of the demolished Hotel “Russia” near the Kremlin and opened in 2017. This is the only new park in the center of Moscow that appeared over the past 70 years. An international consortium was the winner of the Zaryadye Park concept competition included the American studios Diller Scofidio + Renfro - the authors of the famous High Line in New York, Hargreaves Associates and Citymakers (Moscow); several Russian architectural companies also took part in the development: “Mosinzhproekt», MAKHPI imeni Polyanskogo, Bureau “Reserve”, Arteza and Strelka. The main idea of Zaryadye was the demonstration of the natural diversity of Russia. The project is based on the principle of “wild urbanism”, a hybrid landscape where natural and built environments coexist forming a new type of public space. In the park were created four landscape zones - tundra, swamp, forest, and steppe. In order to maintain each area, the specialists selected a particular soil composition and implemented specific plant care technologies and measures. 752 trees and 7 thousand shrubs have been planted on the territory of the park. In total, there are represented 120 species. It is important to indicate that the appearance of each zone is justified by its location, historical, and town planning features. For example, the swamp is the area of interaction of the park with water that is why it is placed close to the Moscow River. Or the location of the tundra can be explained by the proximity to the architectural heritage monuments on Varvarka street, which is why it is not possible to use tall trees and objects in this area. The covered spaces are incorporated into the green terraces: architecture and landscape form a union massive. All natural zones intersect and hide various functional pavilions. They are almost invisible because the relief creates a single landscape. The philharmonic looking like a glass bark is the only building that stands out from above. On the other side of the concert hall was made a slope with the amphitheater from where citizens and tourists could enjoy amazing views of the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Moscow River.

5.9 Top view of Zaryadye Park

Initially, the authors of the project didn’t plan to connect the territory of Zaryadye Park with the main water artery of the capital. However, after the release of the concept of renovation of the Moscow River, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin asked to develop this idea. “The embankment will be completely transformed; it will be possible to descend closer to the water thanks to the stairs, and the underground passage will lead directly to the park. The staircases, in general, are a traditional element for the Moscow River. Besides, there will be a comfortable public space with shops and cafes.”

Sergey Kuznetsov, Chief Architect of Moscow

The new embankment project has a great impact on the development of the coastal areas of the Moscow River because it provides the access to water right in the city center. After the construction of high embankments in the 1930s, citizens were physically cut off from this water resource. The total area of improvement of Moskvoretskaya embankment is 6,043 sq. m. Visually the project site is divided into two levels. The lower one is occupied by retail areas for cafes and shops, there are also located benches for rest and spot gardening. On the upper level of the embankment appeared a bicycle route and wide pedestrian path. Additionally, the lower part could serve as a pier for river transport during the summer.

5.10 Embankment next to Zaryadye Park

5.11 Entrance to Underground Museum and exit to the Moscow River

An interesting feature of the project is that the pedestrian route across the river and Zaryadye Park rises smoothly over the active traffic flow to ensure safety and acoustic comfort from noisy vehicles. The presence of two staircases at the beginning and the end of the lower part of the embankment allows combining this area near water into a linear pedestrian flow along the Moscow River. From the side of Zaryadye Park, it is possible to get to the embankment through an underground passage, which is also the entrance to the museum. The exhibition consists of the fragment of the Kitaygorodskaya wall of the 16th century and ancient artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations in the park. In 2015 there were found the well-preserved fragments of the pavement and log cabins of the oldest street in the capital - Velikaya, built in the 12th century. “The Floating Bridge” with its unique engineering structure became a symbol of Zaryadye Park and one of the main attractions. It provides an amazing panorama of the Kremlin and the Moscow River. The total length of the observation deck is around 245 meters, while it rests on only two supports located almost at the base of the structure. The length of the cantilever extension is 70 meters. On the bridge was installed a long wooden bench for rest. The parapet is made of durable glass so there is no interference with looking at the surroundings. This bridge is an amazing example of contactless interaction with the river, which reveals the aesthetic potential of the historical center from a new perspective.

5.12 View of the embankment from the river

5.13 Embankment next to Zaryadye Park

5.14 View of the «Floating Bridge»

5.15 Embankment of GES-2

5.5 GES - 2 V CASE STUDIES

The Central Tram Power Station (GES-2 «Mosenergo») was built in 1904-1908 according to the project of the architect V.N. Bashkirov. It is located near Maly Kamenny Bridge on the waterfront of the Vodootvodny Canal (water bypass canal) and was connected in union spatial composition with the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Kremlin. Initially, the power plant was named «Tramway»: its main purpose was to power supply of the contact network of the city tram. In 1920s the appearance of the GES-2 began to change: there were added new services buildings and technological spaces, the decorative design of the facades and the spiky top of the clock tower were lost. In November 2009 the GES-2 received the status of a cultural heritage site. Due to the deterioration of the equipment and the environmental situation the power station stopped to operate since 2006. In 2014 the GES-2 was sold to entrepreneur and philanthropist Leonid Mikhelson, who was looking for a place in Moscow for the exhibitions of the V-A-C Contemporary Art Foundation. The Renzo Piano Building Workshop was invited to develop the reconstruction concept. “This is exactly a cultural center. There will be everything: museums, exhibitions, workshops, a library, a 450-seat concert hall, classrooms for training, and a multifunctional center. I think it will be a good gift for the city.”

Leonid Michelson, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Founder of V-A-C

The V-A-C Foundation (Victoria - the art of being modern) is a non-profit foundation for contemporary art founded in 2009 by Leonid Michelson and Teresa Iarochchi Mavica. The Foundation organizes exhibitions and performances and supports the professional development of Russian artists, curators and researchers.

5.16 City Central Tram Power Station / 1912-1913

5.17 Reconstruction of GES-2

5.18 Concept development of the Patriarchal Bridge by Renzo Piano Building Workshop

The work began with the restoration of the original plan and the modernization of the existing space. Inside there is no definite division into floors that allows exhibiting installations of different heights. The Center for Contemporary Art will have a variety of functions. The concept of GES-2 offered the restoration of historic glass roofs and the installation of solar panels. Additionally, on the top of the ex power station will be placed blue pipes that will filter the air for the museum. Reuse of GES-2 is an interesting phenomenon of how a previously closed strategic industrial enterprise after being transformed will open its doors to the citizens. Not only the building itself has changed, but also its relationship with the city went in a different direction. The fence and service buildings which limited free walking flow around the power plant were demolished. A new pedestrian zone from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior to the Yakimanskaya embankment will become an organic continuation of the museum and educational complex. The architecture of GES-2 with large panoramic windows will serve as a showcase of contemporary art while walking along the water bypass canal. There are also large doors which during the summertime make it possible to expand the museum exposition to the public square in front of GES-2 and attract the citizens to interact with modern art. One of the main ideas of the cultural visionary center is to be transparent and «have an active dialogue with the city». GES-2 will become a symbolic place and a new magnet of attention on the Moscow River embankment. The transformation project of GES-2 also provides the development of the surrounding areas. Reconstruction of the Patriarch’s pedestrian bridge will be carried out on the section between Bersenevskaya and Yakimanskaya embankments with the construction of cantilever platforms (amphitheaters), new staircases, and lifts for people with limited mobility. It is planned to locate compact social and cultural centers with a total area of 5.7 thousand square meters under the bridge space. In front of the GES-2 was built a wide descent to the Moscow River, which could be not only a point for the rest after a walk, but also serve as a place for performance. All changes in the coastal areas of the Moscow River will contribute to the improvement of the soft mobility system in the city center.

5.19 Krymskay Embankment

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V CASE STUDIES

5.6 Krymskaya Embankment The transformation of the Krymskaya embankment was made by the Moscow architectural studio Wowhaus. Construction completed in 2013. This project was a part of the development of the territory around the Central House of Artists (CHA), where is located the exposition of the New Tretyakov Gallery. Krymskaya Embankment has become a continuation of the 10-kilometer pedestrian and cycling zone beginning on the Vorob’yevy gory and leading to the city center. A landscape park with transit and sports functionality appeared in place of the highway. Additionally, the main goal of the project was to connect the Muzeon sculpture park with the embankment of the Moscow River which was cut off by a busy road and a fence. At the same time, the Krymskaya embankment made it possible to unite Muzeon with Gorky Park, without using underground passage, by organizing a barrier-free path under the Krymskaya Bridge and thereby creating a single chain of green public spaces. The park is conventionally divided into four zones: the space under the bridge, the artists’ zone with the Vernissage pavilion, Fountain Square, and Green Hills. The central part of the embankment - Fountain Square, is compositionally located on the same central axis as the Central House of Artists. The wooden terraces are adjacent to the gallery building and are often used for open-air sports lessons. Opposite the wooden structures, there is a dry fountain, which in the hot season creates coolness on the embankment and becomes a favorite place for children’s playground. The fountain has an integral dynamic lighting system that allows setting different scenarios for light-color scenes. The Fountain Square is separated from the Moscow River by an alley of lindens, planted in the classical traditional order of a regular French park. Trees provide shadow for recreational zone along the waterfront. The wave-inspired by the proximity of the Moscow River became the main architectural element of the Krymskaya embankment. Walking and cycling paths with low climbs and descents add variability to the interaction with space. The embankment was designed for year-round use. The wavy multi-level linear layout might be relevant for both cyclists and skiers.

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5.20 Krymskaya embankment before reconstruction

5.21 Krymskaya embankment after reconstruction

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5.22 View on the embankment from the Krymskiy Bridge

5.23 Fountain Square

The eastern part of the Krymskaya embankment has smooth and fluid lines in the organization of space and softly flows into the green areas of the Muzeon Park. The natural landscape plays an important role. Artificial hills on the pedestrian transit path are divided into two types: the first is covered with decorative and mostly steppe grasses, the second - trees and shrubs with a lush crown. Wooden benches and sunbeds separating the lawn and route emphasize the artificial relief. The landscaping system deserves special attention: the composition of the plants has been designed with a perennial approach that it will bloom in all warm seasons of the year.

5.24 Recreation zone of the Linden Alley

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On the territory of Krymskaya embankment, there are three small pavilions with cafes, shops, and bicycle rental. The design of the buildings is laconic, the main materials are wood and glass. The pavilion closest to the 3rd Golutvinsky lane is equipped with a special concrete ramp roof from which it is possible to slide down by bicycle or skateboard, and during winter by a sled or a tray. The traditional artists’ Vernissage area which was located historically next to the Central House of Artists, has been preserved. Light open pavilions with a total length of 210 meters were built along the Moscow River for the exhibition and sale of paintings. The project was made by studio Asse Architects. The undulating roofs support the conceptual motif of the embankment and create a dynamic direction. The transit space under the Krymskaya Bridge, connecting Muzeon with Gorky Park became a refuge from the bad weather. Benches made of wood and translucent artificial stone equipped with a light system form two amphitheaters. They help to organize active walking and cycling flows. Additionally, the recreation zone has Wi-Fi and sockets for recharging phones.

5.25 Artists’ Vernissage pavilion by studio Asse Architects

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5.26 Olive Beach

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5.7 Olive Beach V CASE STUDIES

Olive Beach is located near the unofficial entrance to Gorky Park from the side of the Neskuchny Garden next to the pedestrian Andreevsky Bridge. The project was built in 2011 according to the concept of the architectural bureau Wowhaus. This new public space with a recreation area on the waterfront of the Moscow River was the first of its kind in the city center. The wood became the main construction material, which served as a counterbalance to the ceremonial surroundings of granite and marble. Descent from the high Pushkinskaya embankment was organized along a ramp located around a small round observation deck. Olive Beach is divided into several functional areas. Closer to the Rotunda there is a solarium with a diversely angled surface replacing free-standing sunbeds and resulting in a saving of space on the embankment. Additionally, shower consoles appeared outside the solarium. During warm days Olive Beach is a favorite citizens spot for relaxation with a view of the waterfront and yoga.

5.27 Solarium concept

5.28 Canopy concept

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5.29 Solarium of Olive Beach

Small “Olive Alley” with tables and sun loungers placed along the river is located between the observation deck and the Andreevsky Bridge. Closer to the granite embankment is a wooden canopy built in the form of a complex pergola to protect from the sun. For an active evening program, there is also a place for a DJ. Under the Andreevsky Bridge are designed two bars with wooden terraces and canopies.

5.30 View from the Andreevsky Bridge

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5.31 Olive Beach Restaurant

Despite the small area, the project turned out to be multifunctional and relevant for different age groups of citizens. It should be noted that the new wooden structures don’t interfere with the perception of the historical surroundings of the park: the Olive Beach isn’t visible meanwhile walking along the Pushkinskaya embankment. This project added new activities to Gorky Park and improved its infrastructure.

5.32 Descent to the Moscow River

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5.33 Embankment of Vorobyovy Gory

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5.8 Vorobyovy Gory V CASE STUDIES

Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) is one of the seven hills of the Russian capital. They extend from the mouth of the Setun River to the Andreevsky Bridge of the Small Ring of the Railway. The area rises above the Moscow River up to 80 meters. The observation deck on the top has the widest and most picturesque panorama of the city. Due to the danger of the development of landslide processes, Vorobyovy Gory successfully avoided intensive constructions and saved its natural characteristics. This green zone is under protection since 1987. This is the only specially protected natural area of Moscow, where a natural deciduous forest with its distinctive flora and fauna has been preserved so close to the city center. Andreevskaya and Vorobyovskaya embankments appeared in 1911 when the work of creation of the park on the slope of the mountain began. The modern look of this area formed after reconstruction in 1960-1961. Those territories always had a recreational function and an active pedestrian flow. There is also located a pier for water transport. Vorobyovy Gory was the only site where a lower level with direct access to water was provided when the construction of high granite embankments for the Moscow River and its tributaries started. The embankment near the park has two tiers: the upper one is for transit traffic for the pedestrian of for cyclists, and the lower one - for a long stay on the river coast. As can be seen from archival photographs, in the past the embankments were actively used as a city beach.

5.34 Rest of the citizens during hot summer / 2010

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5.35 Group of pavilions

The project of infrastructure improvement of the embankment along the Vorobyovy Gory nature reserve was completed in 2013. The design was done by the bureau Wowhaus. The creation of a comfortable pedestrian environment that combines natural and cultural contexts has become a major challenge. The architects identified four points of attraction on the project site: the Western Entrance, the Vorobyovy Gory pier, Leninsky Beach, and the inactive pier of the Andreevsky Monastery. The idea of stylistic unity turned into the invention of a constructor of pavilion modules. Each volume was made with a different form and color but had a similar approach in design. Inside were placed all necessary functions: cafes, snack bars, bathrooms, bicycle rent and etc. Six modules can be combined depending on the area requirements. Pavillions are mobile and could be removed for the winter.

5.36 River Station

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In order to take into account both the interests of those walking along the coast and those who ride along the river, it was decided to divide the embankment levels by function. On the lower level next to the pier, a wooden pergola has appeared, in the center of which there is a small river station with ticket offices for water transport. On the sides there are recreation areas where you can hide from the rain and sun or sit on benches. The pavilion of the berth differs from the rest of the modules, but at the same time fits into the general style of the «constructor». For the green slope, reinforced with reinforced concrete slabs, connecting the upper and lower tiers of the embankment, a bright solution was chosen. Recreation areas in the form of square modules, like Tetris, grow out of the lawn with a variety of combinations. They are distributed over the area in a chaotic manner. The modules are made of laminated veneer lumber that is resistant to temperature changes.

5.37 Tetris - benches

5.38 Lower tier of the embankment

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PART I

CHAPTER VI International Practice

6.1 Embankments in Paris 6.2 Madrid Río 6.3 Cheonggyecheon, Seoul

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6.1 Embankment next to the Orsay Museum

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VI INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE

6.1 Embankments in Paris To study possible scenarios for the development of the Yauza, it will be relevant to pay attention to the example of the transformation of the central embankments of the Seine in Paris. The idea of transforming these territories has been around for a long ago, but the final implementation took time. Every year since 2002, it became a tradition to close the Seine embankments to traffic on weekends and for a whole month in summer during the «Parisian Beach» campaign which was held on the right bank. At this time, the embankment of Georges Pompidou, 3.5 km long, didn’t just become a pedestrian, here was created a recreational zone with sand, umbrellas, and sun loungers. In this way, everyone who was not lucky enough to go on vacation could feel being on the beach. In 2006 appeared the second spot for this event. And the next year, a third location was placed in northeastern Paris along the picturesque canal «Bassin de la Villette». It was the mayor of the city Bertrand Delanoe who initiated the expansion of the car-free zones: he proposed the large-scale concept of the development of recreational spaces on both waterfronts of the Seine. According to the project, since June 2013, the 2.3 km section from the Orsay Museum to the Alma Bridge on the left coast of the river turned into completely pedestrian. Cafes, soft mesh beds, and poufs for relaxation appeared here, as well as the wide green spaces were created by landscape architects. The ambitious reconstruction meant the closure of car traffic along the main motorways of Paris running along both banks of the Seine. The first stage of this transformation was completed in the summer of 2016, limiting or completely blocking traffic on the left coast of the river. It was supposed that those actions would entail the redirection of car flow to adjacent streets. This fact especially worried residents of nearby areas, who concerned that local traffic jams would increase.

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6.2 Paris Plages / 2013

6.3 Promenade on the banks of Seine

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However, these fears were not confirmed by the facts. Research carried out in the summer of 2016 showed that, on the contrary, car traffic in central Paris fell by 11%. Urban specialists and engineers explained this decline with the behavioral factor of Parisians. It is assumed that due to the difficulties in transport links, many people abandoned the use of cars in these areas. Some citizens have switched to bicycles, some to buses, and many reach their destinations on foot. At the same time, specialists in a deeper perspective see other changes in the life of Parisians - many will look for a place of residence closer to work, or, conversely, will look for work near their home. The Paris authorities announced that on the city roads over the past 15 years, car traffic has decreased by 28%. It has led to a significant improvement in the environmental situation and air quality, especially in the central regions of Paris. According to some reports, over the past 10 years, emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) into the atmosphere, as well as fine solid particles, have declined by up to 30% and 35%, respectively.

6.4 Paris Plages Program 2020

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6.5 Swimming pool on the La Villette Basin

Another interesting project located on the La Villette Basin in the 19th arrondissement of Paris was opened in 2017. It is a natural swimming pool that receives its water supply from the Seine River. It is divided into 3 parts: one shallow paddling pool for children with depths of up to 40cm; an area of medium depth of 1,2m; and a larger pool for adults, where the depth of 2.20 meters. The total surface is 1,600 square meters. The project also provided a calm recreation zone with a few deck chairs for sunbathes, showers, changing rooms, and lockers.

“The swimming pools are part of the «Swimming in Paris» project, presented for the first time by the City Council of The French Capital in June 2015, with the goal of «encouraging the practice of swimming for Parisians and Tourists.» According to an official statement from the city government, the project aims to allow, by 2020, the «modernization of water parks and the creation of new swimming pools and areas for bathing.» According to a report by RFI, the project is emblematic because it will be the first permenant public swimming area in Paris. After organizing a series of «dives» (temporary swimming pools on the banks of the Seine), the realization of the swimming pools in the La Villette Basin is an important step for the «Swimming in Paris» project. The City Council is expecting the pools to attract about 75,000 visitors per day.”

Archdaily (2017) Paris Opens Its First-Ever Public Swimming Pools / https://www.archdaily. com/877727/

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6.6 Salon de Pinos and Oblique Bridge

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6.2 Madrid Río VI INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE

The Madrid Rio project is one of the greatest examples of the creation of a recreational pedestrian zone and the elimination of excessive motorization through the transfer of transport infrastructure underground. The project is located on two banks of the Manzanares River in the capital of Spain. In total, it affected 6 districts of the city, with a total area of 650 hectares: Moncloa - Aravaka, Center, Arganzuela, Latina, Karabanchel, and Uzera. Project Team: Burgos & Garrido / Porras La Casta / Rubio & Álvarez-Sala / West 8. Construction completed in 2011. Due to the active growth of the population in the 60s and 70s (over the decade the number of its inhabitants increased from 2.26 million to 3.15 million), Madrid had a dynamic period in development. Later this situation led to a complication of the transport system. As a result, in the area of the Manzanares River, the M-30 motorway was built. It formed a traffic ring in the city center and connected the central part of the capital and the periphery. The government expected that the construction of the M-30 allowed organizing balanced car flow in Madrid, but ultimately the multi-lane ring road had low capacity, which became a reason for transport collapse.

6.7 Transport situation around Manzanares River

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6.8 Madrid Río project

6.9 Madrid Río project

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The construction of the highway affected not only the environmental situation but also caused an economic decline in the western districts of Madrid. They were separated by the road, which created difficulties in communication and connection with the rest of the city. Property prices began to fall rapidly in these areas, trade tourism business declined. As a result, the territory located near the center of Madrid turned into a depressive state. In order to improve the quality of urban tissue in this area, the city authorities decided to reconstruct the M-30. The highway reorganization project was part of the changes to the entire transport system of Madrid, which proposed the restructuring of the road network and the development of public transport. In the first stage, the modification included the construction of the metro and the light rail transport system to connect all areas of the metropolis. It was planned to build about 100 new metro stations and 43 kilometers of an underground four-lane road. From 2006 to 2010, main work efforts were concentrated to move the highway underground, which made it possible to free up 3,000 hectares of land in Madrid and create a large-scale green public space. The territory was divided into the individual components: Salón de Pinos, Avenida de Portugal, Huerta de la Partida, Jardines del Puente de Segovia, Jardines del Puente de Toledo, Jardines de la Virgen del Puerto and Arganzuela Park.

6.10 Street Section

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Masterplan of Madrid Río project

6.11

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“The most important of which include: the Salón de Pinos, designed as a linear green space, which links the existing and newly designed urban spaces with each other along the Manzanares River. Salón de Pinos is located almost entirely on top of the motorway tunnel and features a «choreography» of 8.000-fold pine trees and a repertoire of cuts. Avenida de Portugal, by relocating one of the most important roads into the centre of Madrid underground and providing underground parking for 1,000 vehicles, it was possible to convert the space into a garden to benefit local residents. Embellished with Cherry trees and cherry motif, the result is the creation of an extremely popular public space. Huerta de la Partida, the old Royal Palace is now a modern interpretation of the original royal orchard and a wide variety of fruit trees in planted in groups to create an enclosed garden. For the Arganzuela Park, the dominant motive is the water. The canalized river Manzanares is surrounded by architectonical walls.The system of streams running through the park will cross through the topography and merge into the different spaces and motifs Puentes Cascara, serving as bridges and iconic landmarks, Puentes Cascara creates a place where the river is really experienced. Designed as a massive concrete dome with a rough texture, the bridges feature more than one hundred cables resembling whale baleens, which are fixed to the slim steel deck. The fine detailing becomes visible when entering the bridge. The ceilings are covered in a beautiful mosaic artwork done by Spanish artist Daniel Canogar.”

West8 (2015) Madrid Río / https://www.west8.com/ projects/madrid_rio/

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6.12 Cheonggyecheon stream

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6.3 Cheonggyecheon, Seoul VI INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE

Cheonggyecheon is a stream in the center of Seoul that has been transformed into a public recreation space stretching for 11 kilometers and opened after extensive renovation in 2005. Nowadays it is one of the city’s main attractions, which is popular between locals and tourists. After the end of the Korean War (1950 - 1953), the areas along the waterfront were severely damaged and partially destroyed. Due to the severe economic crisis, large flows of people began to move from small Korean cities to Seoul in search of work. Therefore, the neighborhood of Cheonggyecheon Stream was quickly overgrown with temporary residential buildings and shacks of settlers. In a short time because of the sewage discharged into the water, it turned into a fetid hotbed of unsanitary. In the 1960s, the Seoul authorities initiated the demolition of shacks and resettlement of the population in order to solve the environmental problem. It was decided to hide the stream in a concrete pipe and build an elevated highway above it. By 1970, construction was completed.

6.13 Visualization of the project concept

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6.14 Cheonggyecheon stream

6.15 Stages of project realization

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By the 2000s, the environmental damage caused to the city center by the expressway became evident. In 2003, the mayor Lee Myungbak approved the project to restore the historical appearance of Cheonggyecheon stream. However, this project required significant financial investments, it had a great positive potential for the city: it supported the philosophy of eco-friendly urban design and promote the movement to re-introduce nature. Landscapes (2019) Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project / http:// thinkingaboutlandscape. blogspot.com/2011/08/

“Creating an environment with clean water and natural habitats was the most significant achievement of the project. Species of fish, birds, and insects have increased significantly as a result of the stream excavation. The stream helps to cool down the temperature on the nearby areas by 3.6 °C on average versus other parts of Seoul. The number of vehicles entering downtown Seoul has decreased by 2.3%, with an increasing number of users of buses (by 1.4%) and subways (by 4.3%: a daily average of 430,000 people) as a result of the demolition of the two heavily used roads. This has a positive influence by improving the atmospheric environment in the region.” The transformation of the territory along the waterfront not only improved the ecological situation, but also contributed to the development of the urban economy by strengthening the urban infrastructure. Cheonggyecheon project has become a center of cultural and economic activity.

6.16 Cheonggyecheon stream

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2021