Granite block public square looks like traditional carpet

A new project by Dutch architects Casanova + Hernandez has created a large public square that is patterned to look like a traditional carpet.

The square in the Albanian village of Shiroka is made from blocks of white and black granite, which are positioned in a pattern that resembles a traditional Albanian carpet design. The architects said that this is intended to create a public space with a unique, local identity.

The landscaping of the area, which is near a lake, is designed to create the sense of being at home. It is split into zones, with the design influenced by the “oda” rooms found in many traditional homes in Albania. The function of oda rooms is to entertain visitors, and they typically contain low benches that line three sides of the space. In the square, benches that are U-shaped section off areas used for different purposes.

Speaking to Dezeen, the architects said:

"These rooms open the views over the lake and stimulate citizens' interactions with different uses such as a playground room, picnic room, lounge room, amphitheatre and the fishermen's room."

It is common for floor coverings in homes to resemble other types of materials. For example, laminate looks like wood, and some luxury vinyl tiles are made to mimic stone. Solid flooring is not designed to look like carpet patterns, as it's better to use real carpets for North Wales and Chester homes. Carpets are available in a wide range of colours and patterns, both traditional and modern.