The multilevel navigation system to ensure a good level of user-experiences

January 17, 2020 6mn
The business district of Moscow City continues to witness rapid development. Occupying 60 ha and hosting 175.000 daily visitors, GBD seeks for a multilevel navigation system

On the bulk of 1m sq m of new stock expected to enter the market by 2024, the business district of Moscow City continues to witness rapid development. Occupying 60 ha and hosting 175,000 daily visitors, the district seeks for a multilevel navigation system.

To ensure a good level of user-experiences, we conducted a study of resident and guest flows present on the territory. As a result, we obtained a matrix of the flows defined by two axes – the mode of transportation and by the layout of the district.

The first group includes the car traffic and two common types of pedestrian flows: users walking within the territory of the district and those arriving to the district by metro.


The second group reveals the spatial structure of the district resembling a horseshoe. In this regard, the density of the flows is outlined by the massive public area framing the core of the district (including the shopping mall and the transport hub) and two transit contours (external and internal). The external contour mainly serves the incoming and outgoing automobile stream whereas pedestrians mostly use the internal loop.

Following these findings, we have developed four major types of navigation signs:

1. Stelas with maps – located at the intersections of high pedestrian flow (near the metro exits or along the routes from the metro) and addressed to the pedestrian guests of the district.

2. Pedestrian signs – placed along the internal contour and designed to guide the pedestrians to the given towers.

3. Large-scale automobile stelas – indicate the major car entries into the district and serve to navigate the drivers.

4. Small-scale automobile stelas – strung on the inner loop and programmed to navigate the inner car flow.

Currently, we are also developing info points – the most complex element of the navigation system in the district. Four expected projects totaling about 1 sq m and potentially significantly increasing the daily flow (up to 300,000 visitors including 50,000 vehicles) inspired us to combine regular navigation signs with additional opportunities in one piece of construction.

Last summer we launched the pilot model of the info point. Comprised of two sections, it embodies a booth for the Moscow City guide and an outdoor point for parking payments, information panel and support material. To help plan the visit, we compiled thematic navigation maps that communicate the four most popular scenarios in the district: everyday life, shopping, premium City and the City for the first time.

In the near future, 10 info points are expected to be installed in the district. Considering the demand for extra services, we are planning to upgrade the construction with coffee stations, wi-fi and charging spots. This model will complement the social amenities of the inner loop and fill the growing need for information and human-centered design.