Pentomino Plaza, Maida Vale, London
Artwork Title: Pentomino Plaza
Client: North Westminster Metropolitan
Designer(s): Rubikuitous Landscapes LLP
Contractors: Kakuro Construction
Manufacturer: IP Surfaces Ltd
Year: 2021
Exterior
Horizontal
Vertical
Texture
Pattern
Lettering
One of the most central areas picked out as a future regeneration hotspot, the Maida Vale district of London, is undergoing a complete makeover. Close to the birthplace of English mathematician and codebreaker, Alan Turing, this once overcrowded space with vehicles and pedestrians is going through a new lease of life which will eventually see walkways, seating areas and places to relax, eat and drink without all the hustle and bustle of London’s traffic and congestion.
The Journey
Rubikuitous Landscapes were tasked with the whole re-design of the Plaza and came up with a ‘puzzle-theme’ which was unanimously agreed upon by the client team.
IP Surfaces were brought in at the concept stage to discuss with the designers the feasibility of making and producing the ‘puzzle elements’ throughout the scheme and the embellishments to the materials, both in the landscaping, the street furniture and the bespoke individual structures. Laser-etched patterns on specific areas of the clay pavers and granite paving together with solid surface laser-etching on the building cladded façades and waterjet-cutting and sandblasted feature elements, specifically the ‘Rubik’s Cube’ installation. A vision that will completely enhance the space with a playful creative continuity throughout the Plaza area.
North Westminster Metropolitan regional director of regeneration, John Smith, said: “We were excited to get started on this development and proud to be contributing to Pentomino Plaza’s regeneration. It’s an innovative idea and concept and one that will stimulate health and wellbeing in this area of London as well as provide much needed cultural and leisure space and can’t wait until it’s fully completed in 2021.”
