World Cities London Edited by Kenneth Powell London is unique in its architectural approach. Despite the absence of a grand projets plan there has been an explosion of activity throughout the built environment; in less than ten years one third of the City of London has been rebuilt. An extraordinary range of buildings has been developed across the whole spectrum of architectural styles, producing diversity and vigour within a strong historical framework. The first in the World Cities series, London presents an exhaustive coverage of the projects which have captured the imagination of the public and the critics alike. It is extensively illustrated (including many specially commissioned photographs) and is divided into four main sections. The first of these covers the social and planning history of the city with essays by Andrew Saint, Robert Cowan, David Mackay, Cedric Price and the proceedings from the Academy International Forum Learning from London. London As It Might Have Been features projects which will never be realised, for example Rogers' Coin Street, Calatrava's East London Bridge and schemes for the National Gallery, offering a nostalgic look at missed opportunities, for better or for worse. London As It Is discusses the city we see today from the boom period of the Thatcherite eighties with the 'triumphalism' of newfound wealth typified by Canary Wharf. Transport, social housing, offices, restaurants, shops, night-clubs, theatres and cinemas are all included, many for the first time. London As It Will Be looks to the future. Transport is unarguably the key to London development in the next decade and the book highlights the importance of schemes such as CrossRail and the Jubilee Line Extension Project. In addition a new face to London is presented by such projects as the Royal Opera House and the Centenary Bridge. London is illustrated in all its complexity, demonstrating both its problems and its potential as one of the great cities of the world. It is to be hoped that in the nineties architecture will resume its historic role: that of an art which celebrates the finest achievements and aspirations of an age. World Cities: London is the first in a prestigious series about prominent cities of the world, stemming from the vital need to consider our urban environment in the latter part of the twentieth century.