Along with the activity of its permanent galleries, the Serpentine is renown for the temporary summer pavilion it has been commissioning since 2000 to some of the most prominent international architects.
Smiljan Radic Pavilion 2014
This year’s iteration is by Chilean architect Smiljan Radic, it’s a curvaceous structure of fibreglass sitting atop a Stonehenge-like array of boulders. Inside it feels like a protective cocoon, with light coming through the translucent shell and cut-outs to the landscape beyond. It opens to the public on Thursday (26th June) and is usually one of the most popular art/architecture events in the city over the summer, there’s a cafe inside and people usually spill out onto the grass around.
From the outside, visitors see a fragile shell, as if made out of paper mache. But at the same time it looks like a stone, blends into the landscape. The skin is made of fibreglass.
Creates a sensation that the whole structure is floating.
Serpentine Gallery Pavillon 2012 by Herzog de Meuron and Ai Weiwei
The plan involves excavating down to groundwater level, revealing buried traces of the past eleven annual pavilions and creating a well at the bottom that will also collect rainwater.A pool of water will also cover the surface of the circular roof, supported just 1.4 metres above the ground by twelve columns that represent pavilions past and present. It will be possible to drain this water down into the well to create an elevated viewing platform or dance floor.
Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013 – Sou Fujimoto
Built on the lawn outside the Serpentine Gallery, Sou Fujimoto's cloud-like pavilion comprises a grid of white poles that ascend upwards to form layered terraces with circles of transparent polycarbonate inserted to shelter from rain and reflect sunlight. "From the beginning I didn't think 'I'd like to make a cloud'," says Fujimoto, explaining how he tried to design a structure that would fit in with its surroundings. "I was impressed by the beautiful surroundings of Kensington Garden, the beautiful green, so I tried to create something that was melting into the green." "Of course the structure should be artificial so I tried to create something between architecture and nature; that kind of concept has been a big interest in my career so it is really natural to push forward with that concept for the future," he adds.
Serpentine Pavilion 2010 by Jean Nouvel
Drama, Light and Colour.
The geometric structure combines lightweight translucent facade materials, retractable awnings and a 12 metre cantilevered wall. The striking red colour of the pavilion contrasts with the surrounding park and refers to iconic symbols of London. The building consists of bold geometric forms, large retractable awnings and a freestanding wall that climbs 12m above the lawn, sloping at a gravity defying angle. Striking glass, polycarbonate and fabric structures create a versatile system of interior and exterior spaces. Around the Pavilion, Nouvel has created spaces for outdoor enjoyment and play, bringing the tradition of French civic parks to London. Red table tennis tables, draughts, chess, frisbees and kites will be available for the public to play with throughout the summer months.
Serpentine Pavilions Archive - http://www.dezeen.com/tag/serpentine-gallery-pavilions/
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