London Festival of Architecture, Eastern City BID, and City of London Launch ‘City Views’ Design Competition
London Festival of Architecture (LFA), in collaboration with Eastern City BID and the City of London, is excited to announce ‘City Views’—a design competition inviting architects, designers, and artists to create a playful and engaging trail of public realm interventions that enhance wayfinding and visibility of key destinations across the Eastern City.
The competition seeks bold and creative design solutions to improve access and connectivity to the City’s four public viewing galleries—The Garden at 120, Horizon 22, The Lookout, and Sky Garden—whilst also introducing public seating and signposting lesser-known destinations at street level. The winning team, to be announced in March 2025, will receive a budget of £87,000 + VAT to develop and deliver the project in June 2025 as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
Reimagining the Eastern City Cluster
The Eastern City is home to some of London’s most iconic buildings and vibrant public spaces, yet the area’s high-rise architecture presents challenges in navigating its streets and public realm. ‘City Views’ is an opportunity to reshape how residents, workers, and visitors experience this unique urban environment—enhancing pedestrian movement and ensuring the City’s public spaces feel welcoming, accessible, and connected.
Through the LFA2025 theme of ‘Voices’, the competition encourages entrants to explore how design can amplify diverse perspectives, capturing the stories and experiences that shape the City. Participants are also invited to consider integrating existing voice recordings from those who live, work, and visit the City—collected as part of a previous local initiative.
A Unique Opportunity to Showcase Creativity
This commission provides an exciting opportunity for emerging and established designers to shape the future of the City’s public realm. Applicants are invited to develop proposals that align with the following project aims:
• Highlight Public Viewing Galleries – Improve the visibility and access to four key viewing platforms, ensuring clear wayfinding and signposting at street level.
• Encourage Better Connectivity – Strengthen walking routes and pedestrian flows between major attractions and transport hubs.
• Introduce Inclusive Public Seating – Create engaging and accessible spaces for rest and interaction, while offering information on local landmarks.
• Align with the LFA2025 Theme – Explore how diverse voices can be reflected through design, storytelling, and interaction.
The competition will be overseen by a distinguished panel of experts, bringing together leaders in placemaking, urban design, and architecture. The judging panel includes Will Dyson, Placemaking Director at Eastern City BID, Maria Herrera, Senior Project Manager at the City of London, Era Savvides, Partner at Urban Radicals, and Ellie Stathaki, Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. This esteemed panel will evaluate submissions based on creativity, feasibility, and their alignment with the competition’s aims of improving access, connectivity, and public realm experience across the Eastern City.
Rosa Rogina, Director, London Festival of Architecture, said: “Architecture is not only about creation; it’s about listening and amplifying the voices that shape our cities. ‘City Views’ is an exciting opportunity to transform how people engage with the Eastern City Cluster, making its public spaces more accessible and inviting. We look forward to seeing innovative proposals that celebrate the City’s rich architectural landscape while encouraging exploration, discovery, and connection.”
Kate Hart, Chief Executive at Eastern City BID, said: “We’re delighted to be once again working in partnership with the London Festival of Architecture and the City of London to launch the ‘City Views’ competition. It is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the Eastern City’s public spaces, making them more welcoming, connected and accessible for all. We’re excited to see bold, creative ideas that celebrate the area’s unique character and vibrant energy, making it the number one destination to visit.”
How to Apply
The competition is open to architects, designers, landscape architects, and artists. Entries should include an initial concept vision and an outline of how the project would be delivered within the given budget and timeframe. The submission deadline is Thursday 6 March 2025.
For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit here: https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/city-views/
#CityViews
Title
City ViewsType
Competition Announcement (Built Projects & Masterplans)Website
Organizers
Submission Deadline
March 06, 2025 06:00 PMVenue
City of LondonPrice
FreeCountry Restrictions
United Kingdom