The current trend in the transformation of the world's capitals is the rational and efficient use of its territorial resources, among which an important place belongs to rivers. In 2017, top management of the city of Moscow appointed the Research and Planning Institute for Moscow’s Urban Plan as the sole city developmental operator of coastal areas of the Moscow River. To develop its embankments, the institute developed a strategy for the growth of territories adjacent to the Moscow River, aimed to ensure the interlinked integration of coastal areas into the urban sphere. The strategy is based on the creation of a single recreational framework, an inseparable and multifunctional public space throughout the territory. As a result of the implementation of the measures laid down in the strategy, the Moskva River embankments are brought into compliance with the current principles of organizing a quality urban environment, such as cohesion, permeability, accessibility and safety, and provide new attraction for the capital city. Moscow's main waterway is a recreational resource for citizens, and a regeneration source of the city. Therefore, it was crucial to involve people during the decision-making process. The formats for improving the embankments for a variety of leisure activities were determined on the basis of a sociological surveys, which were provided by the citizens, residents and visitors. This approach ensured an inclusive environment where the needs of different user groups were considered. Also, the results of economic modeling of the strategy implementation show the positive dynamics of capitalization of the river areas. Within the strategy realization, the Institute specialists worked on projects for planning of the coastal territories, organizing the construction of new pedestrian bridges and bicycle routes, the elimination of landslide and suffusion processes, the development of berth infrastructure to form citywide routes on the River, integrated landscaping and planting of greenery, as well as introducing the necessary engineering and infrastructure. Examples of the strategy application within the framework of integrated urban planning analysis include: Khimki Reservoir embankment, the embankment along Zhivopisnaya Street, Karamyshev embankment, the embankment between Belorussian and Dorogomilovsky bridges, the embankment near Troite-Lykovo, Nagatinskaya floodplain embankment, and the embankment in the Moskvorechye-Saburovo district. The developmental concept of the Khimki Reservoir embankment encompasses the creation of pedestrian and bicycle networks and the rebuilding of the boathouse and stadium. The embankment will become another focus area of activity and the adaptation of existing boathouses for sports, shopping and entertainment will please fans with a dynamic lifestyle. In the concept of the Karamyshevskaya embankment project it is planned to reconstruct two piers, create public spaces, develop the infrastructure and pedestrian-transport connections. A shore protection plan and anti-slip measures are premeditated as landscaping benefits, to improve the ecological condition of the environment and the territory. The recreational and park zone will equip bicycle, pedestrian and jogging paths, organize sports and recreational grounds and it is planned to restructure the roadway of the main street and the arrangement of parking space. On the embankment between Belorusskiy and Dorogomilovskiy bridges, the planning proposes to implement cycle-pedestrian and jogging paths and sports grounds. The design solution involves organizing a "balcony": a structure under the Dorogomilovsky Bridge, near the Pyotr Fomenko Workshop Theater to accommodate a permanent multi-level amphitheatre with viewing platforms offering views of Moscow International Business Centre "Moscow-City", an outdoor food court and a multifunctional platform - an open stage for various performances, including theatrical productions. To ensure barrier-free connectivity and to ensure safe pedestrian movement over the metro line, the project plans to place a cycle-pedestrian bridge and an underground crosswalk, protecting the embankment along the coastal strip. Part of the existing retaining wall will be reconstructed providing the possibility of building a new one. The concept for the development of the Nagatinskaya floodplain embankment provides the placement of service facilities, sites for public events and creation of the park zone along the embankment to improve the ecological condition of the environment. To create a single promenade area along the embankments, pedestrian bridges will be laid across the Novinka Bay and for the expansion of the promenade's walkway. Furthermore, to improve the transport accessibility of the territory, the reconstruction of the roadway and the construction of the transport bridge are provided. Also, reconstruction of the Southern River station with berthing facility and placement of an additional public building for visitors are foreseen. The concept of the embankment of the Moskvorechye-Saburovo area within the territory planning project is developed considering bank protection on the area, creation of new public spaces, development of infrastructure and pedestrian-transport links. To improve the ecological condition of the environment, anti-slip measures and bank protection of the shore, with the installation of a viewing platform following an improvement of the territory will be provided. Additional landscaping, arrangement of bicycle, pedestrian and jogging paths (considering the topography), placement of children's and sports grounds, non-capital pavilions and small architectural forms are planned. The project will make it possible to renovate the living environment of the area and form a recreational space in the Moskvorechye-Saburovo district.
State Research and Design Institute for Urban Development of the City of Moscow is a state organization specialized in Architecture, Engineering Infrastructure, Transportation, Economics, and Social Sciences. Established in 2012 under the Moscow City Government Order it subordinates directly to the Moscow City Architecture Committee. The Institute develops and implements strategies for sustainable urban planning including analysis of environmental and socio-economic aspects of urban development.
Modern city demands a new approach towards the development of urban space. The city of Moscow strives to encompass new principles of urban design and planning in the elaboration of large-scale design and renewal projects. The Institute commits to a multi-disciplinary strategical approach in master planning and works towards the development of livable, sustainable communities and improvement of citizens’ wellbeing by working with all stakeholders of the urban planning process.