Gorky Park: Metamorphosis
Gorky Park is located on the south part of Russia’s capital downtown and was inaugurated in 1928. Named after writer Maxim Gorky, the park quickly became famous for being an outstanding model of avant-garde architecture. The design of the front group - from the entrance to the Neskuchnyi Garden was performed in 1920 by Russian avant-garde architect Konstantin Melnikov. In general, this part has remained unchanged, as well as the main entrance, which was built in 1955 by architect Georgy Shuko. Nowadays, the Gorky Park, being one of the most famous in the world, has become the epitome of modern approaches to the development of the urban environment.
It stretches along the banks of the Moscow River and is divided into two main parts – the Neskuchny Garden which dates back to 1753, and the ‘Parterre’, which dates back to the All Russia Handicraft and Agricultural Exhibition held in 1923. It contains a number of old buildings dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including two summerhouses by the great Moscow architect Mikhail Kazakov, who also designed the Senate Building in the Kremlin, and the first City Hospital.
TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY
The changes in the park began two years ago, when the entrance became free and were removed amusement rides, instead of which there emerged recreational areas with sun beds, dancing fountains, green lawns, free Wi-Fi Internet access and much more. In December 2011, there was opened a 15,000 sq. m ice rink, with separate zones for children, hockey, dancing and general skating. But actually the large-scale changes are still to come.
The now approved strategy and masterplan for the multi-million pound transformation of Moscow’s Gorky Park has been prepared by LDA Design – the independent design, environment and energy consultancy that in July 2012 won the international tender to redesign the historic 300 acre (120 ha) park.
LDA Design was chosen from a shortlist of 20 international firms by the project board, which included representatives of Moscow City Heritage Department, Moscow Kremlin Museums, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, and Strelka Institute, the Institute for Media, Architecture and Design.
LDA Design, fresh from its triumph at the London 2012 Olympic park, has prepared a strategy that builds on the renewal process catalysed by the clearance of an expansive funfair in 2011 where large areas of the park were privatized. It also harnesses the creative energy and activity that has occurred since this event.
The resulting strategy and masterplan for the park draws on Russia’s cultural heritage dating back to the 18th century, creating seven distinct landscapes. Each reflects a different historical period and, combined, they create a high quality, distinct and diverse landscape structure. There are also nine destination activity hubs, accommodating uses that appeal to everyone, including:
– waterfront leisure gardens creating a new river frontage;
– a new space at the heart of the park for cultural and recreational activities;
– the Orangery, an 18th century garden building, glass house for horticultural displays and an exhibition space where food will also be grown.
Historic buildings in the park have drawn a lot of attention, so in the restoration program of some of them were already invested substantial funds. Further plans include the restoration of visual connections with them as iconic landmark of the Park landscape.
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Materials provided by LDA Design and “Prosperity Project Management” LLC