It took just 15 years to create this commercial district and fill it with stunning architecture. Here are the contractors and consultants who built Manhattan-on-Thames, and a few answers to the question: 'What's your favourite building at Canary Wharf?'
The architecture of Canary Wharf is the architecture of a new world. Built on a site dredged from the decaying docks of east London, its designers had no need to bow to history.

Developer Olympia & York looked to New York's Battery Park City for inspiration. It employed US architect Skidmore Owings & Merrill to draft a masterplan and commissioned the creator of Battery Park's World Financial Centre, Cesar Pelli, to design the UK's tallest building, One Canada Square.

Pelli's Canary Wharf skyscraper aped his Battery Park project 鈥� it is a taller version of the three towers that make up the World Financial Centre. This didn't put off the developer, though. Pelli has since designed 25 Canada Square 鈥� the Citigroup tower next to his first, Cabot Place and three of the new Heron Quays buildings. American giant SOM has also designed six.

One Canada Square, because it combines architectural quality with efficient functionality for its tenants and management

Tony Jordan, vice-president of business development at Canary Wharf Group

I like One Canada Square because it is a distinctive landmark and the tallest building in the UK. Until something beats that, it will be my favourite

Jim Gunn, manager, Metronet Rail

The Citigroup tower looks better and stronger than the HSBC tower. It is laid out well and sort of matches the main tower in its looks. I don鈥檛 like the sign on the top though

Mark Denton, datacomms engineer, Regal Communications

I like the HSBC tower. It looks great from a distance and is also inspiring to walk beneath. It has a certain grandeur

Sarah Pratt, benefits administrator, Black Mountain

The Tube station has that huge ticket hall with the light streaming in from the glass dome. It鈥檚 very dramatic and a good place to start your day

Andy Seaman, analyst, Morgan Stanley

I like the warehouses on the other side of the dock. I like the way that they have a very English feel and show a little bit of the history of the area

Dellene Dinopoulos, receptionist, Credit Suisse First Boston

I get a bit fed up with all the steel and glass here. I used to be a plasterer so I appreciate detail and texture. 10 Cabot Square is completely different 鈥� it鈥檚 got class

Kevin May, black cab driver

I like 25 North Colonnade because it has a more refined architecture than most of the other buildings. Its curved edges and soft colours give it a less aggressive look

Karen Grout, project accountant, Metronet Rail

30 South Colonnade looks different from all the glass ones. I like it because it鈥檚 got a sort of art deco look and shape. I think it is the curves that set it apart

Karina Johnson, chartered accountant, Deloitte & Touche