LANZA atelier, a Mexico City-based architectural studio, has been selected to design the 25th Serpentine Pavilion. This prestigious annual commission, located in London's Kensington Gardens, will be unveiled on June 6th and will host a variety of live events and programs throughout the summer and fall. The design, inspired by the historical English serpentine wall, will feature a unique undulating brick structure, a second wall seamlessly integrated with the tree canopy, and a translucent roof, reflecting the studio's commitment to context-aware and sustainable architecture.
This year's Pavilion also pays homage to the legacy of Zaha Hadid, who designed the inaugural structure in 2000, with a dedicated architectural program at Serpentine South. The project aims to create an open and accessible space that fosters connections between architecture, landscape, and people, serving as a dynamic platform for lectures, film screenings, and performances. The choice of LANZA atelier highlights their approach to creating contemporary spaces that draw energy from local contexts and materials, ensuring a lasting impact.
The Serpentine Pavilion: A Milestone Commission for LANZA Atelier
The Serpentine Pavilion, a highly esteemed annual architectural project in London's Kensington Gardens, has awarded its 25th commission to LANZA atelier, an innovative architectural studio from Mexico City. Founded by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, the firm will unveil its design on June 6th, initiating a series of public programs, live events, and cultural activities that will extend from summer into autumn. This particular iteration is especially significant as it commemorates a quarter-century of the Pavilion's existence, a testament to its enduring role in promoting architectural innovation and public engagement.
LANZA atelier's design concept for the Pavilion draws heavily from the unique English architectural feature known as the serpentine or crinkle-crankle wall. This historical brickwork, characterized by its distinctive alternating curves, has ancient Egyptian origins and was introduced to England by Dutch engineers. The Pavilion's design incorporates this element, shaping movement and defining spaces through its undulating form. Additionally, a second wall within the architectural plan is designed to coexist harmoniously with the existing tree canopy, avoiding any disruption to the natural environment. The structure will be crowned by a translucent roof, gracefully supported by brick columns, creating an ethereal effect reminiscent of a tranquil grove. This thoughtful integration of historical references, environmental sensitivity, and modern design principles underscores LANZA atelier's reputation for creating spaces that are both contemporary and deeply rooted in their surroundings.
Architectural Vision and Public Engagement
LANZA atelier's vision for the Serpentine Pavilion transcends mere aesthetics, aiming to create a structure that actively engages with its environment and its visitors. The firm articulated that their concept "both reveals and withholds," suggesting an interplay of openness and enclosure that influences how individuals navigate and experience the space. This design strategy is intended to shape visitor movement, modulate rhythmic experiences, and frame distinct thresholds for proximity, orientation, and moments of pause. Such an approach transforms the Pavilion from a static object into a dynamic environment, fostering a deeper connection between people and the architectural space.
Bettina Korek, the Chief Executive of the Serpentine, emphasized that the Pavilion commission provides a rare opportunity to explore ambitious architectural concepts within an accessible public setting. She highlighted that the structure is envisioned as something that extends beyond its physical boundaries, serving as a conduit that links architecture, landscape, and the diverse individuals who visit. Hans Ulrich Obrist, the Serpentine's artistic director, further praised LANZA atelier's architectural philosophy, noting their profound engagement with local contexts, materials, and the lived human experience. He remarked that the firm is adept at crafting contemporary spaces imbued with lasting energy. Obrist also revealed that the Pavilion will function as a "content machine," hosting a rich array of intellectual and artistic activities, including lectures, film screenings, and performances, thereby solidifying its role as a vibrant cultural hub during its tenure.