Randall Pattern Play

Location: London

Brick Manufacturer: Ketley Brick Company Ltd

Brick Names: Staffordshire Blue, Staffordshire Bespoke Patterned Pavers

Architect: Maria Gasparian Studio

Brickwork Contractor: Eco Brickwork Ltd

Commissioned by Wandsworth Council, Randall Pattern Play is a permanent public artwork integrated into the new public realm at Randall Close, part of a social housing development within the Surrey Lane Estate in Battersea, South-West London. Conceived, designed and produced by architect and ceramic artist Dr Maria Gasparian, the installation transforms the space into an inviting and playful “outdoor living room.”

The project comprises two large, sofa-like sculptural benches and three clusters of modular seating cubes. These are complemented by a striking series of bespoke brick paviours, which weave through the space with a carpet-like aesthetic—offering both visual continuity and practical wayfinding. Embedding game boards such as chess, backgammon, and noughts and crosses into the seating encourages multi-generational social interaction and invites everyday play.

Rooted in local heritage, the design draws inspiration from the 19th-century Jesse and Henry Rust Mosaic Tile Company, once based on the nearby Randall Street. Echoes of the Rusts’ Arts and Craft vibrant mosaic floors—still visible at the Battersea Arts Centre and the V&A Museum—are reflected in the project’s colour palette and abstract geometric and floral motifs. These visual elements were co-developed through creative workshops with the local school and engagement with community members, giving the artwork social resonance.

Crafted from bespoke hand-decorated glazed bricks, the benches feature a rich tapestry of brick bonds, including vertical and horizontal stretcher bonds and a three-dimensional basket-weave pattern. Chamfered edges soften corners for safety, while varied seating heights encourage inclusivity. The benches’ stepped profiles also serve to discourage skateboarding.

A key feature is the interplay of glazed and unglazed finishes, adding slip resistance while enhancing the tactile and visual richness of both seating and paving. The use of Staffordshire Blue bricks across both horizontal and vertical elements creates a unifying tone over a diverse material palette. Extensive glaze and underglaze testing was conducted on white and blue base bricks to ensure chromatic consistency and durability.

The decorative paviours were produced using an innovative combination of digital, hand-crafted, and industrial techniques. These include extrusion, 3D-printed stamping, and intricate hand-inlaying of coloured glazes—merging tradition with technology.

Clay brick was selected as the primary material for its durability, low maintenance, and contextual relevance. Through its expressive use of colour, form, and pattern, Randall Pattern Play brings identity to the public realm—offering a joyful contribution to the urban fabric and a lasting sense of place for the local community.