2014 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion
John Hill
24. June 2014
Photo: Iwan Baan
Chilean architect Smiljan Radić's design for the 14th Serpentine Gallery Pavilion opens on Thursday in London's Kensington Gardens.
When Radić's design was unveiled in March, he described the pavilion as "a fragile shell suspended on large quarry stones." Further, "at night, thanks to the semi-transparency of the shell, the amber tinted light will attract the attention of passers-by like lamps attracting moths." This effect is apparent in Iwan Baan's early photographs, particularly the one below.
The Chilean architect's contribution is a refreshing change from previous years, since he is unknown relative to predecessors Peter Zumthor (2011), Jean Nouvel (2010), Frank Gehry (2008), Rem Koolhaas (2006), and Zaha Hadid (2000), among others. His design seems to bridge the ancient and the natural, though unfortunately the local press has already christened the oblong form as the "doughnut" pavilion.
Whatever one calls it, the pavilion will be on display until October 19, 2014.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Related articles
-
A Courtyard Comes to Kensington Gardens
on 5/14/24
-
'Archipelagic Void'
on 1/22/24