Every summer, the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park builds a new Pavilion in the grounds to highlight architectural design and art. Last year, we had the colourful Pavilion with the light reflecting/refracting to create different shapes and colours. This year, it's more about form and less about colour. This year's Serpentine Pavilion was built by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, head of BIG, who have worked on Google's new headquarters. This year, the Pavilion has been nicknamed 'unzipped wall' as it looks like the structure is zipped up partially. Inside, its atmosphere resembles a cavern. The inspiration was to use basic components to create a structure. It stands 14 metres high.
I took a quick look inside and had a drink at the cafe, which serves light snacks, coffees, and fruit juices. The range was not as extensive as last year's, which contained afternoon teas and ice creams and a range of food from Fortnum and Mason. In that sense, it was a little bit of a disappointment. However, there were plenty of seats when compared with last year.
The structure is made from fiberglass boxes, which appear to be the same size and shape. These are stacked on top of each other to create an illusion, and it is a real treat to look up once you are inside.
The different angles of the boxes also give a sense of movement, as you can see in the photographs below.
I examined the structure from the different angles.
Although one can walk around the structure, it is not as memorable and there's less to explore. Last year's was a hit because there was a lot to explore and interact with. I remember seeing children running around the structure and in an outside walkway that wrapped around it. I did see children this year, but interaction was not encouraged with this. This structure is meant to be looked at from a distance and close up and to examine the different angles, but it is less interactive and more about viewing.
There are also four summer houses to explore nearby, but I did not see these or know about them when I visited the Pavilion.
Have you been to visit the Serpentine Pavilion this summer? The Serpentine Pavilion will only be around for a limited time. It is free to visit, and it will close on October 9. It is open from 10:00 in the morning and closes at 6:00 in the evening.
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