Serpentine Pavilion London, United-Kingdom

This 23rd Serpentine Pavilion in London, commissioned by Serpentine Galleries, continues the groundbreaking series that began in 2000 with Dame Zaha Hadid. This pavilion has evolved into a dynamic platform for public engagement, experimental art, and interdisciplinary programs. 

« À table » invites people to gather around a table, fostering dialogue on our relationship with nature and sustainability. It encourages reflection on how we eat, what we eat, and how we consume, aiming for a deeper connection to the earth and each other. Food, as a grounding element, reminds us of our connection to the climates and environments we come from. 

This pavilion offers a celebratory space where people can listen to nature, work, eat, meet, and think together. It features a lightweight structure built entirely from bio-sourced and low-carbon materials, with locally sourced wooden ribs supporting a suspended, pleated roof inspired by tree leaves. The design embraces the park’s natural surroundings and respects the living world beneath our feet. Its adaptable system allows it to be disassembled and reassembled, ensuring its legacy beyond the site. 

Construction Details: The pavilion’s lightweight plywood canopy is supported by slender ribs, with minimal steel used for specific structural needs. The structure uses glulam columns and fretwork panels to stabilize it without extra bracing. A custom fabric covering at the center allows natural light and ventilation. The design optimizes material use, minimizing waste and foundations while ensuring the structure remains lightweight and low carbon. The modular, prefabricated build simplifies construction and reduces waste. 

The design prioritizes sustainability, using ethically sourced timber and reusable materials, and the pavilion’s low environmental impact was assessed throughout the design process. All structural connections are discreet, reflecting the simplicity of the interior furniture. The superstructure is fully demountable, allowing the pavilion to be rebuilt elsewhere after its initial use in Kensington Gardens. 

Located in Kensington Gardens, the pavilion was designed to leave no permanent impact on the site. It does not require deep foundations but utilizes existing infrastructure for electrical and water connections, which can be reused annually.