Like Thames Barrier Park, Royal Victoria Dock was conceived by the LDDC (London Docklands Development Commission) and is situated on the north bank of Victoria Dock. There are many comparisons between this site and Thames Barrier Park, due largely to the fact that parts of the design team were the same.
This site has a particular focus on history and is dominated by the huge former dock cranes which have been retained and tower over the space. Features such as the regimented blocks of trees are reminiscent of Mile End Park, while the structures have a similar minimalist feel to them. Unfortunately this site too seems to lack visitors. Despite being adjacent to the entrance to the Excel exhibition centre there were barely any people using the area on my visit. This made the site seem very distant and impersonal- particularly the large patch of rough empty grass at it's heart.
Some of the detailing here is very good, however the space still seems to lack purpose and no resounding feeling of quality comes through. Many of the ground surfaces appear unattractive also. In fact I believe that the site itself takes the backseat as the dock cranes and the impressive bridge across Victoria Dock capture all the attention. 
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