Last edited 12 Jan 2021

London Serpentine Pavilion 2017

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.

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.

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.