The 25th Serpentine Pavilion, conceptualized by the Mexico City-based architectural firm LANZA atelier, is set to debut to the public on June 6, 2026. This year's installation, titled "a serpentine," is located at Serpentine South in London and represents a notable milestone for the annual commission. Building on a legacy initiated by Zaha Hadid's inaugural project in 2000, the pavilion will host a rich program of public events, discussions, workshops, and artistic performances, running through October 25, 2026. This anniversary year also features a collaborative program with the Zaha Hadid Foundation and the Architectural Association, exploring the pavilion's historical influence and its ongoing dialogue within contemporary architecture.
LANZA atelier, led by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, has designed the pavilion drawing inspiration from the "serpentine" or crinkle-crankle wall, an ancient construction technique known for its structural stability and material efficiency. This traditional form, originating in Suffolk and later adopted across Europe, is reimagined here as a dynamic spatial element. The design strategically manipulates circulation paths, frames specific vistas, and navigates the interplay between enclosed and open environments. Furthermore, a secondary curvilinear wall is thoughtfully positioned to harmonize with the surrounding tree canopy, allowing the structure to become an integral part of the park's landscape rather than imposing a fixed boundary.
The pavilion features a translucent canopy supported by brick columns, artfully arranged to mimic the natural density and rhythm of a tree grove. This configuration ensures ample natural light and ventilation within the structure, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior realms. Brick, chosen for its inherent structural qualities and its capacity to convey subtle gradations of openness, also pays homage to traditional English garden aesthetics and the nearby Serpentine South Gallery. The repetitive column system gradually transitions from solid to permeable, generating a continuous spectrum of spatial transparency.
The design of "a serpentine" reflects LANZA atelier's ongoing exploration of craftsmanship, material systems, and scalable design methodologies. The intentional use of brick not only provides structural integrity but also allows for nuanced variations in the pavilion's visual and experiential porosity. Complementing the architectural structure, the studio has also crafted the pavilion's furniture, including chairs and stools made from sapele hardwood. These bespoke pieces extend the architectural philosophy into the realm of objects, underscoring the studio's holistic approach to design where architecture and furniture are conceived as interconnected elements of a unified creative process.
From June to October, "a serpentine" will transform into a vibrant cultural venue for Serpentine's extensive public programming. This includes a diverse array of talks, performances, film screenings, workshops, and interdisciplinary gatherings. The space will also host the renowned Park Nights series, an annual event showcasing live artistic commissions. The 2026 agenda commences with a conversation between the architects from LANZA atelier and Serpentine Artistic Director Hans Ulrich Obrist on June 5th. Throughout the summer, additional activities such as guided tours, family-oriented workshops, and various seasonal events are planned, fostering community engagement and artistic exploration.
The 2026 Serpentine Pavilion continues a tradition of innovative architectural commissions. Preceding this year's installation was the 2025 pavilion by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, which focused on designs that respond to climate and adapt spatially. Earlier notable commissions include "Archipelagic Void" by Minsuk Cho, "À table" by Lina Ghotmeh, "Black Chapel" by Theaster Gates, and "Counterspace" by Sumayya Vally, among others. These preceding projects collectively highlight the Serpentine Pavilion's ongoing commitment to showcasing pioneering architectural thought and design from around the globe.