During the Soviet Union, the Garden Ring was developed as a major transport highway with an aggressive automobile environment in the center of the city, which was designed primarily for motorists. Underground crosswalks, though created to safely bring pedestrians from one side to the other, ended up sacrificing the best and most sunlit portion of the Garden Ring to traffic and breaking the visual connection between the two sides of the road.
The Garden Ring consists of 20 streets. Its total length is 15.6 km.
The project drew together 18 architectural firms, ranging from star architects from all over the world to young local architects. The main principle of the project was to open up the creativity of young local talent, with Strelka KB acting as design mediator and consultant. All teams were briefed by Strelka KB and Strelka Architects. The project was divided into linear segments which were developed by Strelka Architects, and key spaces which were developed by famous international firms, as well as young Russians architects.
2015: Highway in historical center
2016: Pedestrian street
Novinsky Blvd before and after the renovation. Wider sidewalks and trees make the street greener and more pedestrian-friendly © Moscow Municipal Services Complex
The square in front of the Krasnye Vorota metro station before and after reconstruction © Moscow Municipal Services Complex
Project of a segment of the Garden Ring. The square in front of the Krasnye Vorota metro station. Sidewalk: 24588 sqm. Road: 8420 sqm. Greenery: 13180 sqm.
Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya
In the ‘90s, the Garden Ring becomes dominated by huge infrastructure due to aggressive development. © Lori Photobank
The street refurbishment brings gardens back to the Garden Ring
Once it was turned back into a pedestrian-friendly street, the Garden Ring started to attract a more diverse set of businesses. Banks and offices have made space for a greater number of food, retail, and service businesses. Large-scale planting created a stabilizing effect on the microclimate, minimizing road dust and generating oxygen. Pervious paving prevents flooding and improves drainage and lessens the heat island effect that asphalt can have. Granite paving stones absorb heat more slowly than asphalt. The improvements to the Garden Ring have made the city center more accessible to all citizens and integrated it with the periphery.
During 2016 and 2017 111 hectares were refurbished with:
– 20 new crosswalks
– 11 new squares
– 8 new public transport lines
– 13 new public spaces.
196 historical artifacts were discovered and 2880 trees were planted.
