The Olafur Eliasson project I mentioned is called Green River:

http://www.olafureliasson.net/works/green_river.html

The web does not seem to have much on it so you may need to look into some books on him or magazine articles. His reasoning for doing it may not be the same as how you might exploit it. I offer the example as one of visual/spatial spectacle and as a way of trying to work the Canary Wharf waterscapes into the processes you are considering. Seems to link well with your primer too…

The old maps of London showing now filled in water courses and docks can be viewed here:

http://www.old-maps.co.uk

Try co-ordinates 536800, 180100.