Like major cities around the world, London is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing for its growing population. And as real-estate prices continue to rise in the British capital, there is an increased sense of urgency to solve the problem. This past June, New London Architecture—an independent organization whose mission is to bring architects, planners, and developers together to better shape London’s urban layout—launched an international competition with the goal of generating new and creative housing solutions.

The competition drew some 200 submissions from 16 countries, including entries from world-renowned firms such as Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, Grimshaw, Farrells, dRMM, Mae Architects, and Feilden Clegg Bradley. The designs offer a range of ideas, from new construction techniques and technologies to floating homes, self-build projects for homeowners, and pop-up housing throughout the city.

One idea that has received attention is Baca Architects’ plan to create 7,500 new fixed-placed floating homes on the city’s network of canals, a project the firm believes could be completed in as little as six to 12 months. Similarly, the architecture studio dRMM has submitted its vision to transform docks on the Thames River into floating neighborhoods that would include housing, open-air cinemas, work spaces, cafés, and schools.

On October 12, a jury of international architects and engineers will announce the ten winning concepts. Three days later, the top 100 designs from the competition will go on display in “New Ideas for Housing,” a free exhibition at the New London Architecture gallery in north-central London.

“New Ideas for Housing” will run October 15 through December 17 at the New London Architecture Gallery (26 Store St, London); newlondonarchitecturerg