One Canada Square is the tower that defines the Canary Wharf skyline, a 235-metre obelisk of stainless steel topped by a distinctive pyramid that has a flashing aircraft light at its peak. Designed by César Pelli and completed in 1991, it was the tallest building in Britain for over two decades and remains the symbol of the docklands' transformation into a financial centre.
The tower is offices and not open to the public, but it is the landmark you orient by, and the plazas, malls, and waterside spaces around its base are the heart of the estate. For a view from height instead, the surrounding bars and restaurants on the upper floors of neighbouring towers look out over the river and the City. The whole ensemble is best seen lit up after dark from across the dock.