Public Art / Barnet 3×3 Court
Painted basketball court at Barnet Playing Fields, North London.
Commissioned by Barnet Council in collaboration with Rise 3×3, the project introduced London’s first dedicated 3×3 court mural built to full FIBA specifications.
A previously underused tarmac surface was redeveloped as a purpose-built macadam court and integrated with a large-scale painted composition.
The work functions as both a playable sports surface and a visible civic landmark within the surrounding landscape.
Context
The original court was small and poorly positioned, sitting directly in the field without a path. In wet weather it became muddy and difficult to access, limiting regular use.
As part of the redesign, the court footprint was expanded and properly integrated into the park. The artwork was developed alongside this redesign, ensuring that scale, markings and visual identity were considered together rather than applied after construction.
Composition and Function
The composition mirrors the fluid movement of 3×3 basketball while working precisely within official court markings. The design had to remain fully playable under FIBA regulations while introducing a strong visual identity for the space.
Bold, abstract forms interact with the geometry of the key, arc and boundary lines. Colour operates across the full surface area without compromising clarity or performance.
The result is a court that reads as a cohesive graphic field while retaining full competitive functionality.
Delivery
The surface was newly laid in macadam before being painted using specialist outdoor sports-court coatings suitable for active, everyday use.
The project was developed in consultation with the Rise 3×3 community and delivered on site over one week with the team at Absolutely Studio. Production involved detailed surface preparation, precise masking of regulation markings and integration of council and partner branding.
Weather interruptions and the abrasive surface conditions required careful planning and phased execution to achieve a consistent finish.
Outcome
The completed court now operates as both a high-performance sports facility and a visible point of identity within Barnet Playing Fields.
The project launched with a public community event featuring exhibition games and skills sessions. Since completion, the court has become an active, accessible venue for players across London and a recognised site within the UK 3×3 basketball network.
Project Details
Commissioned by: London Borough of Barnet
In collaboration with: Rise 3×3
Lead Artist: Darren John
Produced by: Absolutely Studio
Surface: Newly laid macadam
Coatings: Specialist sports-court system
Timeline: Design development and on-site delivery, June 2025