City Clusters

The tessellating modules are a sculptural and flexible response to the unique City context, and provide much-needed pockets of seating and greenery within the high-rise Eastern City district. The geometry of the modular design derives from the Coats of Arms of the historic City Livery Companies, which are typically a 5-sided crest or shield, seen throughout the district on buildings, gateways and street furniture. From the shield motif, a tessellating tile pattern and module was developed. The resulting geometry defines a series of interchangeable vessels, which function as either seats or planters. The materials are natural, tactile and hand-crafted, to contrast with the glass and steel of the City context. The ceramic bases reference the clay on which the City is built, the distinctive terracotta colour echoing the Roman pottery found in the area. The lower height modules form seating of varying levels to cater for different access needs and individual ergonomics. The timber seat tops have been crafted from repurposed fallen urban trees, sourced from within the confines of Greater London. A wide range of species, including oak, elm, yew, hornbeam, and sycamore, bring a variety of unique grain, colour and texture to each cluster. The taller modules are planters filled with tactile, seasonal planting. The asymmetric nature of the pattern and variation in module heights is intended to produce a varied, organic language that avoids the appearance of clear repetition. The clusters can be adapted to a multitude of different site sizes and conditions, allowing for reconfiguration and future flexibility. The asymmetry of the geometry can emphasise either an orthogonal pattern or generate softer undulating edges. The clusters are currently in six locations around the Eastern City.