Cabot Square Railings

Walk into Canary Wharf and you're confronted by James Horrobin and SOM's Cabot Square Railings - a series of cast iron panels that line the perimeter of the square itself. It's one of those pieces you could easily miss if you're rushing between the tube and your office, but stop for five minutes and there's actually something going on here.

The railings function as both barrier and artwork, with designs that play with geometry and perspective. They're not flashy or demanding - they won't stop you in your tracks the way a massive sculpture might - but they reward closer inspection. Horrobin and SOM have created something that integrates into the everyday architecture rather than fighting against it, which is either brilliantly subtle or a bit too polite depending on your taste in public art.

This works best if you're already in Canary Wharf, perhaps on the way to somewhere else. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts will find it interesting; families with young kids might find five minutes is enough. It's free to view - you're just looking at railings in a public square - and it takes as long as you fancy spending there.

If you're basing yourself at Lovat Parks nearby, it's worth a quick visit when you're heading into London proper. The real joy here is that it's unassuming enough to catch people off guard.