London Serpentine Pavilion 2017
[Serpentine Pavilion 2017, designed by Francis Kéré. Serpentine Gallery, London (23 June – 8 October 2017) © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan Baan]
On 20 June 2017, the Serpentine Gallery in London’s Hyde Park revealed their 17th annual Pavilion. Designed by Burkinabe architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, the indigo-blue, oval-shaped structure is defined by curving walls, a slatted timber roof and a poured-concrete base.
Kéré has based his design on the concept of a tree as a place of shelter from the weather and as a place to gather.
[Serpentine Pavilion 2017, designed by Francis Kéré. Serpentine Gallery, London (23 June – 8 October 2017) © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan Baan]
The walls of the pavilion are formed by batons of blue-stained timber arranged to create triangular panels. Natural light is allowed through the walls by a perforated pattern of gaps between each panel.
Designing the pavilion with the changeable British climate in mind, a ring-shaped slatted-timber roof is tiled to funnel rain down from an overhead oculus into a central courtyard, transforming it into a waterfall. The water can then be used for irrigating the park.
[Serpentine Pavilion 2017, designed by Francis Kéré. Serpentine Gallery, London (23 June – 8 October 2017) © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan Baan]
Kere said:
“As an architect, it is an honour to work in such a grand park. Every path and tree, and even the Serpentine lake, were all carefully designed. I am fascinated by how this artificial landscape offered a new way for people in the city to experience nature. In Burkina Faso, I am accustomed to being confronted with climate and natural landscape as a harsh reality.
“For this reason, I was interested in how my contribution to this Royal Park could, not only enhance the visitor’s experience of nature, but also provoke a new way for people to connect with each other.”
Kéré's Serpentine Pavilion opens to the public from 23 June until 8 October 2017.
All images and content courtesy of London Serpentine Gallery.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
Electrical contractors welcome crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.