blockpatterns

Blockpatterns is a term used in design and tiling theory to describe patterns built by arranging discrete building blocks, typically square or rectangular units, into a larger motif. The blocks act as modular units that can be colored, rotated, scaled, or otherwise transformed to create complex visuals while preserving an underlying grid.

Blockpatterns emphasize modularity, repeatability, and rhythm. They can be periodic (repeating), aperiodic (non-repeating), or fractal-like through recursive subdivision. Common features include grid alignment, symmetry, color schemes, and a consistent block vocabulary. Variants include simple checker or brickwork patterns as well as more intricate tilings created by subdividing or offsetting blocks.

Generation methods range from manual design to algorithmic production. Procedural approaches place and transform blocks according to rules, often incorporating randomness, symmetry constraints, or color-adjacency rules. Other methods use cellular automata, L-systems, or constraint-satisfaction techniques to enforce neighboring relations and aesthetic goals.

Applications span textiles (quilting, knitwear), graphic design (branding, posters), interior design (wallpaper, tiling), and digital media (video game textures, user interfaces). Blockpatterns offer scalable visuals that retain coherence across sizes and densities and can support both decorative and functional purposes.

Related concepts include tessellation, tiling, modular design, grid-based design, and procedural art.