The design code has been approved for Semashko Street in Nizhny Novgorod.

      On June 23, 2026, at 10:06, Society The Nizhny Novgorod City Hall approved the architectural and artistic concept (design code) for Semashko Street. The resolution was published on the city administration's website. The document applies to the section from the Verkhnevolzhskaya Embankment to Freedom Square. It was developed to improve the quality of the urban environment, modernize facades considering the historical features of the street, and organize the placement of informational structures. The adopted concept aims to create a cohesive and harmonious appearance for Semashko Street, taking into account its historical buildings.

      As stated in the explanatory note, the analysis showed a lack of a unified approach to the design of signs and an unsatisfactory state of outdoor information. Many structures are outdated, made of low-quality materials, and placed chaotically—without regard for the architectural and stylistic characteristics of the buildings. Those elements that meet current requirements have been included in the new concept.

      Photo: Resolution of the Nizhny Novgorod City Hall The document defines acceptable locations for signs so that they do not violate the architectural appearance of the historic street. It contains photo layouts, photomontages, drawings, as well as color solutions for facades and recommendations for fonts. To reduce visual noise, restrictions on colors have been introduced. Signs must correspond to the color scheme of the facade and be executed in a unified range within one building. The use of corporate colors of trademarks registered with Rospatent is permitted. A list of acceptable shades according to the RAL scale has also been established, and solutions close to metallic textures are allowed. Exceptions are provided for shopping and entertainment centers, cinemas, circuses, and industrial facilities.

      Separate requirements have been established for fonts. They must be legible and correspond to the architectural solution of the facade. Decorative and handwritten styles are prohibited, as well as distortion of letters, alteration of proportions, and duplication of identical information within one facade. Parameters for backlighting have also been defined. Backlighting is allowed in neutral, daylight, or cool white tones. Neon in shop windows is only permitted in warm white color.

      The concept also establishes requirements for entrance groups and window openings. Canopies must be located strictly above the entrances, made of a single material, and maintained in a unified style within the building. It is prohibited to cover decorative elements of the facade or alter their appearance.

      Photo: Resolution of the Nizhny Novgorod City Hall The sizes and configurations of window openings cannot be changed, nor can advertising be placed in them or bricked up. Artistic decoration of shop windows or installation of tinted double-glazed windows in a unified style is recommended for the ground floors. Regarding doors, the use of one type within the facade is provided— with the same finish, color, and degree of glazing. Preference is given to transparent structures. Solid metal panels on facades facing red lines are prohibited, as well as changing the position of the door block and characteristics of glazing.

      In addition, the document regulates the decorative and artistic design of fences installed during facade work. It must comply with the city's landscaping rules and be part of a systematic approach to organizing repair sites. It was previously reported that in 2026, design codes are planned to be developed for Korolenko, Studenaya, Ilyinskaya, and Dobrolyubov streets in the Nizhny Novgorod district, as well as for 40 Years of October Street and Captain Rachkov Avenue in the Kstovo district. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+