There are virtually infinite variety of patterns in existance. Just look at Islamic geometric art. It's full of intricate patterns that sometimes make one wonder how it is humanly possible first to conceive and later to execute them on buildings. Alhambra
Personally I like interlocking patterns. They are simple and yet they suggest pratical solutions to pavement and even to decorative walls.
Try to think of patterns not as a flat entity but as a top view of a stepped structure. This will help you see a lot of hidden 3D information in patterns.
Interlocking patterns that can only be disengaged by sliding in Z axis direction.
Self holding structure that can be built using aluminium extrusion.
