It is proposed to build a multifunctional residential complex along the Prichalny Proezd, in the coastal zone of the Moskva River. A plot of about 2.5 hectares borders on a large residential complex "Heart of the Capital", about 2 km from it is the MIBC "Moscow-City".
The project was presented to the Architectural Council by the head of the UNK Project, Yuliy Borisov. He said that the development of this site is a rather long story. One of the concepts was developed by the workshop "Sergey Kiselev and Partners". It proposed to build up the site with multi-storey towers. However, insolation restrictions and wind loads became a significant obstacle to the implementation of the plan. Then there were other proposals that also could not answer all urban planning questions - proximity to the Moskva River and the projected flyover, high density of residential buildings, proximity to an abandoned industrial zone, and more.
UNK Project also did not immediately come to a final decision. There were options for both quarter and tower buildings. But the most optimal was the idea of creating a multi-level vertical city. Blocks from 12 to 17 floors are stacked on top of each other in such a way as to form a green courtyard and protect it from the noise of the overpass. The courtyard, arranged on the roof of the stylobate, is free of cars and opens towards the embankment, providing a view of the river from most of the apartments. Parking for residents and guests of the complex is hidden underground. The stylobate from the side of the embankment will be completely commercial. It is planned to house two restaurants, small shops and a sports center with access to Shelepikhinskaya embankment. The first floors from the courtyard side will be allocated for living quarters for residents.
Given the high building density, the authors of the project proposed to solve each block differently from the other, maintaining the general style and monochrome range. For example, the facades of volumes close to the water are lined with wavy lines, the block referred to the depth of the site has a pronounced vertical pattern, and the office part is made mainly of glass. On the roof of one of the volumes there is a community center with a small swimming pool and a restaurant. Also from this residential block there is an exit to a separate patio.
The total height of the complex will not exceed 106 m, which will result in a relatively smooth transition from the high-rise residential complex "Heart of the Capital" to the mid-rise residential buildings of the Soviet period. In total, the complex is supposed to accommodate more than 800 apartments. The construction of a school and a kindergarten is not provided for by the project. However, the authors admit the possibility of placing the kindergarten in the stylobate part.
The presented project seemed very convincing to the members of the council. All of them unanimously noted the scale of the work done, witty decisions and attention to the environment. Andrey Gnezdilov drew attention to the complex initial data of the project. The designers were required to decide on the formation of a new high-density development, but at the same time, according to Gnezdilov, they were able to unleash the potential of the site, the main value of which is its proximity to the river. Andrei Gnezdilov was embarrassed by the lack of social security and the shortage of courtyard territories, which would be isolated from the city. To this, Yuliy Borisov replied that the designers acted within the framework of the State Property Fund, which does not provide for the construction of social facilities. However, the investor expressed his readiness to invest in the expansion of the nearby school. As for the yard, more than 20% of the entire territory will be landscaped - and this is already a lot in the current situation.
Vladimir Plotkin praised the project, but recalled that his bureau had once worked with this site, so all its features are well known to Plotkin. He expressed regret that the authors did not provide for a through passage through the courtyard, which would provide a direct connection between the nearby TPU and the embankment. Yuliy Borisov explained that the courtyard was deliberately made closed and safe, and a comfortable pedestrian zone along the complex was provided for transit from the TPU to the river.
Andrei Bokov, who also supported the project in general, was upset by the transport solution, which, in his opinion, was not sufficiently developed - the situation with the overpass is unclear. He also didn't like the lack of a master plan. Especially Bokov was alarmed by the area that separates the complex from the river. This site is run by another owner. To date, it is not known whether it will be built up. Yuri Grigoryan agreed with Bokov that if, for example, two skyscrapers appear there, the main idea of this project on interaction with the river will be lost. Yuri Grigoryan also suggested that the authors think about the facade of one of the blocks with a pronounced vertical pattern. It is very different from other volumes and "resembles a panel house" in its aesthetics. Such a similarity, according to Grigoryan, looks dangerous.
Summing up the discussion, Sergey Kuznetsov noted that most of the comments regarding the lack of a master plan or insufficient elaboration of the transport scheme do not relate to the work of the architectural workshop. As for the architectural part of the project, according to the unanimous opinion of the council members, it was executed brilliantly.
