Several generations of architects who created VDNH tried their best to make sure the Central Alley is a monumental pedestrian pathway dominating over the rest of the territory of the complex.
They made a good job: just walk through the main gates and the wide boulevards with rows of trees, streetlamps and fountains will draw you into the perpetual route: the Main Entrance, the Central Pavilion, the Fountain Square, Buran spaceship, the Space Pavilion. Buy an ice cream and turn back. There’s nothing new under the sun.
Tens of thousands of visitors walk the Central Alley every day, completely ignoring the other 85% of the territory
In addition to telling the guests about the layout of VDNH, the navigation system distributes visitor flows and points there attention to interesting objects.
Breaking the pedestrian movement paradigm without resorting to the traditional Moscow police fences and other brute force is difficult. We had to act smart.
VDNH administration introduced a new pedestrian pathway, the large walking alley. It starts at the main entrance arch and goes through all the new zones.
However, it is easy to miss it at the entrance and never realize that it exists.
If visitors already came out to the Central Alley, all we can do is delicately encourage them to visit the unexplored areas at key intersections.
Auxiliary pathways restore the integrity of VDNH, connect the central area to the new alley and help visitors explore new themed zones.
This concept became the basis of the VDNH navigation strategy that is implemented with the help of direction signs.
Signs start to work from a distance: the large name and bright color spot can be seen from afar. Easy to read description of the zone attracts visitors.
Bright spots on a dark background can be easily seen during the day and after sunset.
Bright spots on a dark background can be easily seen during the day and after sunset.
Each sign always starts with the answer to the main question:
Where am I now?
If there is no map nearby, the navigation sign can be used instead.
On signs located outside of the Central Alley the color spot is dedicated to a local landmark with a clear description of the route: “Go to the rocket and turn left,” “Go straight on the right side,” “Right after the pond.”
The service block shows directions to all the necessary objects including the closest toilet, the Central Alley (symbol of civilization) and the nearest Metro station.
If needed, these can be complemented by routes to the nearest exit, information center, public transport stop or map.
The line with contact information is supplemented by the sign code which visitors can tell to the help line operator instead of trying to describe their surroundings.
Contents of each of the 103 signs is chosen and laid out automatically.
We also developed maps and information signs for VDNH
