City Views: Design Competition Enhancing the Eastern City
London Festival of Architecture in collaboration with Eastern City BID and the City of London, has launched ‘City Views‘—a design competition inviting architects, designers, and artists to reimagine the public realm in the Eastern City.
With a focus on wayfinding and connectivity, the competition seeks innovative proposals that improve access to four of the City’s key public viewing galleries—The Garden at 120, Horizon 22, The Lookout, and Sky Garden—while also introducing new public seating and highlighting lesser-known destinations at street level.
The winning proposal, set to be announced in March 2025, will receive an £87,000 + VAT budget to develop and deliver the project in June 2025 as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
Reimagining the Eastern City
Home to some of London’s most striking skyscrapers, the Eastern City is a dynamic part of the capital’s skyline. However, navigating the dense urban environment at street level presents a unique challenge. ‘City Views’ aims to transform pedestrian movement in the area, ensuring that the City’s public spaces are accessible, welcoming, and engaging for all.
Aligned with LFA2025’s theme of ‘Voices,’ the competition encourages entrants to explore how design can amplify diverse perspectives and stories. Participants are also invited to consider integrating recorded voices from those who live, work, and visit the City—capturing the character and experiences that shape the area.
A Platform for Creative Innovation
‘City Views’ provides an exciting opportunity for both emerging and established designers to influence the future of the City’s public realm. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that enhance visibility and access to key viewing platforms through intuitive wayfinding and street-level interventions. The project aims to strengthen pedestrian routes, linking major attractions and transport hubs, while also introducing inviting and accessible public seating that allows visitors to rest and interact with the cityscape. Designers are encouraged to engage with the LFA 2025 theme by exploring how diverse voices can be reflected in the design, whether through storytelling, interactive elements, or innovative use of materials.
How to Apply
To support applicants in developing their proposals, an online Q&A session will be held on Friday 14 February from 13:00 to 14:00. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the competition brief, ask questions, and gain insights from the project partners. Prospective entrants are encouraged to attend to ensure their submissions align with the competition’s ambitions.
The competition is open to architects, designers, landscape architects, and artists. Submissions should include an initial concept vision and an outline of how the project would be delivered within the given budget and timeframe. The deadline for entries is Thursday 6 March 2025.