2015 Serpentine pavilion unveiled

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Proposed daytime view of the 2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano.

Proposed daytime view of the 2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano. Image: Steven Kevin Howson / SelgasCano

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Proposed night-time view of 2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano.

Proposed night-time view of 2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano. Image: Steven Kevin Howson / SelgasCano

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José Selgas (left) and Lucía Cano (right).

José Selgas (left) and Lucía Cano (right). Image: Hisao Suzuki

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The Serpentine Gallery in London has unveiled visualisations for its 2015 pavilion designed by Spanish architects SelgasCano.

Described as “chrysalis-like,” the organically shaped structure will take up temporary residence on the Serpentine Gallery lawns in London’s Kensington Gardens (part of Hyde Park) for four months during the English summer.

The pavilion will be made from a double-layered shell, clad in multi-coloured translucent or opaque, fluorine-based plastic membrane (EFTE). The plastic will filter natural light into the pavilion’s interior, tempering it with colour, much like stained glass might in a church.

The amoeba-like structure will have multiple entrances and exits, each will take visitors on a unique journey through the space, “characterised by colour, light and irregular shapes and surprising volumes,” said architects José Selgas and Lucía Cano. There will also be a secret passageway between the the inner and outer layers of the pavilion.

Proposed night-time view of 2015 Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano. Image:  Steven Kevin Howson / SelgasCano

At the centre of the structure is a hollow void – an open space for gathering which will also contain a cafe.

“We sought a way to allow the public to experience architecture through simple elements: structure, light, transparency, shadows, lightness, form, sensitivity, change, surprise, colour and materials,” the architects explained. “We have therefore designed a Pavilion which incorporates all of these elements.”

The architects draw on the fifteen-year history of the Serpentine’s architectural commissions and will pay homage to previous pavilions through its design.

The Serpentine Pavilion was first exhibited in 2000 and has commissioned works by some of the world’s most notable architects including Zaha Hadid (2000), Peter Zumthor (2011), Sou Fujimoto (2013) as well as Chinese artist Ai Weiwei (2012). It is among the top ten most visited architecture and design exhibitions internationally. It has also inspired similar architectural commissions around the world including MPavilion in Melbourne and Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation pavilion in Sydney.

The 2015 Serpentine Pavilion will be exhibited from 15 June to 18 October 2015.


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