Khokhlovskaya Square
Moscow, Russia
Description: New square and conservation and restoration of an archaeological site
Location: Pokrovskiy boulevard, Moscow
Area: 3853 sq.m.
Stages: Concept Design to Detailed Design
Status: Completed
Period: 2016-2018
Client: Strelka KB & City of Moscow
Local Architects: Strelka KB
Djao-Rakitine Team: Irene Djao-Rakitine, Valmore Rojas, Chun Wing Fok
Awards:
- Awarded Best Urban Design by the Moscow Urban Forum
- Best Cultural Heritage site restoration project in Russia
- ISOCARP Grand Award 2018
- Qatar Sustainability Award 2018
In 2016, as part of the wider regeneration project for the historical “Boulevard Ring” in Moscow, Djao-Rakitine was commissioned to develop a new square in the centre of the city.
An exceptional opportunity was given by the presence of archaeological remains of the wall that used to surround the old Moscow (Bely Gorod). The fortress wall remains became the central feature of the square and the reason two ground levels were created. These two levels were connected by an amphitheatre, with the archaeological feature as a backdrop. This new square supported and encouraged various spontaneous social and cultural activities, including theatre performances and small concerts and thanks to its integrated ramp, became accessible to all.
Clusters of trees and individual trees were planted within the seating steps of the amphitheatre to provide shade and enhance biodiversity. Planting areas also act as rainwater draining pits, assisting with water management on site.
Following completion in 2018, the square was immediately accepted by the citizens and rapidly became a destination for young people, families, and tourists.
The design of Moscow’s Khokhlovskaya Square has been awarded Best Urban Design by the Moscow Urban Forum as well as Best Cultural Heritage site restoration project.
Khokhloskaya square is part of "My street" program by Strelka KB. The program received the ISOCARP Grand Award 2018 and the Qatar Sustainability Award 2018.
"Creating a Moscow agora" by Daria Paramonov, in Topos
"Khokhlovskaya Square" in the magazine Landscape Architecture Korea.
"Moscow's new Clothes" by Kiril Ass, in the magazine Topos.
"Khokhlovskaya Square" in ArchDaily.
"Where to walk in Moscow: 8 new parks" by Ekaterina Karpukhina in AD Magazine Russia.
"Khokhlovskaya Square" in Landezine Magazine.
"Soft power in Moscow" by Stephen Zacks in Landscape Architecture Magazine.
All images are © Djao-Rakitine, unless otherwise stated.
