A Turning Point: From Asphalt to Promenade

Until the early 2010s, most central embankments functioned primarily as high-speed roadways with narrow, uncomfortable sidewalks. The river was both physically and visually disconnected from the urban fabric. A pivotal moment came in 2013 with the redevelopment of Krymskaya Embankment, designed by Wowhaus. For the first time in Russia at this scale, contemporary public realm principles were applied: geoplastics (artificial landform design), a unified pedestrian and cycling zone, a dry fountain, and the planting of mature trees. This project did more than upgrade a site—it fundamentally changed both professional and public perceptions of what waterfront spaces could and should be.

A Systemic Approach and Diversity of Solutions

The transformation was not implemented as isolated interventions, but as a comprehensive strategy addressing different sections of the river with context-specific solutions. Historic Center On the Balchug Island embankments (Sofiyskaya, Raushskaya, Kosmodamianskaya, Sadovnicheskaya), improvements completed in 2021 were combined with careful restoration of historical character. On Kosmodamianskaya Embankment, A4 architects planted around 300 trees, while small architectural forms—such as a rotunda pavilion—reference the lost Church of Cosmas and Damian. Reclaiming Industrial Zones A key priority has been returning long-restricted industrial waterfronts to public use. A recent example is the comprehensive upgrade (2025) of six embankments on the right bank (including Shlyuzovaya and Derbenevskaya), totaling 11.4 km, where sidewalks were widened and new recreational areas introduced. Natural Framework On the city’s periphery, extended recreational landscapes have been developed, such as the new 3.5 km embankment in Kolomenskoye, opened in 2025.

Architectural Expertise: Flexibility and Heritage

Moscow’s projects demonstrate a wide spectrum of architectural responses tailored to different задачам. The contemporary residential development NOW in the Nagatinskaya floodplain (by GAFA architects) exemplifies an approach based on sustainability and technology. It features a two-level spatial organization, green roof systems for stormwater retention, and bank stabilization solutions. At the same time, Moscow’s experience is being adapted in regional contexts. In Yoshkar-Ola, for example, nefa architects addressed linearity constraints and limited space by introducing a system of floating pontoons, creating a looped pedestrian route partially over the water.

Urban Impact: Social and Economic Momentum

The transformation of Moscow’s embankments has generated significant outcomes: Comfort and Safety Widespread expansion of pedestrian zones, installation of modern lighting (over 300 energy-efficient fixtures and 145 illuminated crossing supports on the latest six embankments), and the creation of thousands of seating and recreation areas. New Mobility The development of continuous pedestrian routes. For instance, following the opening of a pedestrian bridge near Muzeon Park in 2024, an uninterrupted 8 km promenade now connects Vorobyovskoye Highway with Balchug Island. Economic Activation Upgraded embankments have become major attractors, stimulating small businesses (cafés, rentals) and increasing both tourism appeal and investment value in adjacent districts. At Atlas, we analyzed the transformation of Moscow’s embankments and developed an interactive map illustrating the scale of this work. Map

What’s Next?

Moscow’s large-scale waterfront revitalization represents a clear example of a consistent, systemic approach to urban transformation. The city has shifted from “occupying” the river with transport infrastructure to “returning” it to people as a valuable public asset. This experience—combining global best practices with sensitivity to local context and historical heritage—has set a new benchmark for urban development in Russia. We believe that in the coming years, projects similar to Krymskaya Embankment, along with advanced ecological shoreline solutions, will increasingly emerge in regional cities. We will continue to monitor and analyze these developments.