GÖKÇE GEREKLİ YILMAZ
landscape architect/ designer
SOFIYSKAYA EMBANKMENT & BOLOTNAYA PARK
CONCEPT COMPETITION
courtesy of GILLESPIES
type: public space
location: moscow/ russia
year: 2019
team: oliver smith - gökçe gerekli yılmaz - vanessa chung - diego mazzei
client: Confidential (Competition Study)
Situated along the southern shores of the Moskva River, Sofiyskaya Embankment and Bolotnaya Park offer breathtaking perspectives of the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral. Through our competition proposals, we aimed to showcase the immense possibilities of revitalizing the river embankment and the historic park, envisioning the creation of an exhilarating new attraction in the vibrant heart of Moscow.
Responding to the competition brief's call for an exemplary riverside public space catering to residents and visitors of Moscow, a visionary approach was taken to develop bold and contemporary interventions along the embankment and within the historic park.
A dynamic lower-level walkway was envisioned, offering pedestrians access to a previously inaccessible part of the city away from the bustling embankment. This walkway not only provides a serene space but also allows individuals to pause and appreciate the historic surroundings of the river, creating a captivating and immersive experience.
To fully unleash the potential of the historic Bolotnaya Park as the "people's park" within Moscow, a reimagination was undertaken. A central lawn was introduced, serving as a gathering space and green destination for all. Alongside it, the surrounding areas were carefully designed to work harmoniously with existing mature tree planting, forming a series of smaller, structured spaces for informal social interactions, play, and relaxation.
These visionary interventions transform the river embankment and Bolotnaya Park into vibrant destinations that seamlessly blend contemporary elements with their rich historical heritage. By embracing inclusivity, this transformed landscape becomes an urban oasis where both locals and tourists can immerse themselves in the splendor of Moscow, forging unforgettable memories and deepening their connection with the city's essence.