London's population is set to grow by a million people over the next twenty years. A quarter of this growth is expected to be housed in just three percent of its area, the 32 square kilometres of 'City East' in the western part of London Thames Gateway.

The City East area was once integral to London's status as a port city, and today is home to some of London's most dynamic activities and boldest developments, including Canary Wharf and the Millennium Dome. Capturing and steering the momentum created by these projects is crucial to the success of City East.

The area includes the Isle of Dogs, Lower Lea Valley, the Royal Docks, North Lewisham, Greenwich Peninsula and Charlton. Design for London has been developing concepts and strategies to ensure that this area's new developments, from the Olympic Park to Canning Town, meet the highest standards.

In 2005/2006 Design for London and KCAP architects carried out a strategic options appraisal of the Royal Docks and Canning Town areas to inform the overall strategic vision for City East. This work was exhibited at the 2006 Venice Architectural Biennale.