The Serpentine Gallery itself is an art gallery based within Kensington Gardens, London. The gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art and features a range of exhibitions. Each year the gallery commissions international architects to design a pavilion on the gallery’s lawn that will provided a unique showcase for contemporary architectural practice. The pavilions are also designed to host film screenings, talks, the BBC proms and a cafe.
Below is a comprehensive list of the architect commissioned to build the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion over the last 10 years:
- 2000: Zaha Hadid
- 2001: Daniel Libeskind
- 2002: Toyo Ito
- 2003: Oscar Niemeyer
- 2005: Álvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura
- 2006: Rem Koolhaas
- 2007 pre-pavilion: Zaha Hadid
- 2007: Olafur Eliasson and Cecil Balmond
- 2008: Frank Gehry
- 2009: Sanaa
I have a few favourites out of the ten...
The first is Frank Gehry's pavilion from 2008. I like the way Gehry has used a complex network of overlapping glass planes to create a dramatic, multi-dimensional space. Gehry says 'The Pavilion is designed as a wooden timber structure that acts as an urban street running from the park to the existing Gallery'. I think the effect created is similar to what I am hoping to achieve within my own pavilions. I am looking to use angled solar panels on the roof, so the use of overlapping panels may add the dramatic effect I need within my own design.
This pavilion was designed by Zaha Hadid, as was the preview pavilion in 2007. I like the composition of the three elements and how they intertwine to create an covered, open area. Each element was developed from a small articulated base to a large cantilevered diamond shape, however the interweaving elements do not touch allowing air, light and sound to travel through the narrow gaps.
My third favourite pavilion was commissioned in 2001 and designed by Daniel Libeskind. The design incorporates sheer metallic planes assembled in a dynamic sequence. I specifically like how the aluminium panels create brilliant reflections of light, and also reflect the surrounding environment revealing a new perspective of the greenery of Kensington gardens and the brick from the gallery.
Following a conversation with Rod on Friday, it was discussed that my design needed an edge to it...I think the combination of material from Libeskind's design and the dynamic shapes created in Gehry's design may influence the final design of my own pavilions.
Following a conversation with Rod on Friday, it was discussed that my design needed an edge to it...I think the combination of material from Libeskind's design and the dynamic shapes created in Gehry's design may influence the final design of my own pavilions.
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