Space for the moment
A key component of Marina Tabassum's design is a kinetic element: one of the capsule shapes is movable so that the pavilion can be transformed into a new space if required. Inspired by arched gazebos, the structure also features a central courtyard and emphasises the interplay of light and shadow. It is Tabassum's first work constructed entirely from wood. Many of the architect's projects focus on the threshold between interior and exterior space, and ‘A Capsule in Time’ also offers a direct connection to nature. From the daylight that falls through the translucent façade made of polycarbonate panels to the ginkgo tree around which the pavilion was built, it offers a space for reflection, community and contemplation on the essentials. As a temporary structure that imcludes nature rather than suppressing it, it also showcases architecture that engages with the climate, the location and the culture.
"The Serpentine Pavilion celebrates the London summer – a time to be outdoors, connecting with friends and family in Kensington Gardens. We want to celebrate the tradition of park-going. On a sunny day, the play of filtered daylight through the translucent fassade draws on the memory of being under a Shamiyana at a Bengali wedding. Built from a bamboo structure wrapped with colourfully decorated cloth, Shamiyanas can convene hundreds of guests on any occasion. The Serpentine Pavilion offers a unique platform under the summer sun to unite as people rich in diversity. How can we transcend our differences and connect as humans? The Serpentine Pavilion offers a place where people of diverse backgrounds, ages and cultures can come together under one roof and call for action, facilitating dialogues that expand our boundaries of tolerance and respect", says Marina Tabassum. To accompany the pavilion, she has created a limited edition of three colour etchings, which are available in the Serpentine Shop.
This year's Serpentine Pavilion marks the 25th anniversary of the Serpentine South project in Kensington Gardens, which was once launched with a work by architect Zaha Hadid. Since then, the who's who of the architecture scene has been flocking to the pavilion every year, on the condition that the person has not yet realised a building in the United Kingdom. ‘Experiments should never end’ was the mantra of Zaha Hadid, who sadly passed away in 2016. Her foldable design for the Serpentine Pavilion consisted of a triangular roof structure that spanned an interior space of 600 square metres with the aid of a steel structure. This year's selection was made by Bettina Korek, CEO of the Serpentine, Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director, Julie Burnell, director of construction and special projects, Chris Bayley, exhibition curator, Natalia Grabowska, curator of architecture and site-specific projects, Alexa Chow, deputy exhibition curator, and advisors Sou Fujimoto and David Glover. (am)
Serpentine Pavilion
Kensington Gardens,
London W2 3XA
