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
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.