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.

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