Slap is better because of repair costs. Heat expansion and water flow. Also if you need to repair below the tile for any reason, it is a lot easier.

This is an actual construction method called concrete stamping. Its a lot cheaper than “pavers” or bricks, and when you’ve a large amount of ground to cover like a sidewalk that translates to substantial savings in construction costs.

The gaps are sealed so water runoff and algae are not substantial concerns; they just beed to be resealed evry few years. The pattern is for pure aesthetics, any benefits in terms of grip or thermal expansion/contraction is insignificant.

The downside to this method is that the “tiles” will crack eventually, and replacement of individual “tiles” is impossible without destroying a larger part of it. But if you’re ok with cracks, and for most sidewalks no one cares about cracks, then stamped concrete is an excellent alternative to pavers.

If its purely for aesthetics who cares

Corruption at its finest