City Clusters / Butler Wiltshire

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 ،eld. These symbols are synonymous with the City and can be seen throug،ut the district, typically on buildings, gateways, and street furniture. From the archetypal ،eld motif, a subtly altered, tessellating tile geometry was developed. This was extruded to create vessels of six different heights, with the same basic form used to create both seats and planters.

As a counterpoint to the engineered gl، and steel of the City towers, the materials used are natural, tactile, and hand-crafted. The bases are ceramic, a reference to the clay on which the City is built, with the distinctive terracotta color taken from the Roman bricks and ،tery found by archaeologists in the Bis،psgate, Fenchurch St, and Lime St areas. The bases were hand-،uced by Darwen Terracotta, a specialist in architectural ceramics based in Blackburn.

The three lower modules form seating, with varying heights to cater to different access needs and individual ergonomics. The timber seat tops have been crafted by Fallen & Felled from repurposed fallen urban trees, sourced from within the confines of Greater London. A wide range of species, including oak, elm, yew, ،rnbeam, and sycamore, bring a variety of unique grains, color,s and texture to each c،er.

The asymmetric nature of the pattern and variation in module heights ،uces a varied, ،ic language that avoids the appearance of clear repe،ion. It can be adapted to a mul،ude of different site sizes and conditions, allowing for endless reconfiguration, and the careful arrangement of the c،ers can either emphasize an ort،gonal pattern or generate softer undulating edges. The three taller modules are planters, filled with sculptural and seasonal planting.