Design and Impact of Serpentine Pavilion 2017

The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of contemporary architecture. Each year, this temporary structure in London’s Kensington Gardens invites a fresh perspective on design and public space.

In 2017, the pavilion was designed by Diébédo Francis Kéré, an architect known for his socially driven approach and sustainable practices. His work not only challenges conventional architectural norms but also emphasizes community engagement and environmental consciousness.

Design Concept

Diébédo Francis Kéré’s vision for the Serpentine Pavilion 2017 was deeply rooted in his cultural heritage and a profound understanding of communal spaces. Drawing inspiration from the tree as a central gathering point in his native Burkina Faso, Kéré sought to create a pavilion that would serve as a beacon of social interaction and shelter. The design was conceived as an open, inviting structure that encourages visitors to come together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

The pavilion’s form was characterized by a large, overhanging roof supported by a central steel framework. This design not only provided shade and protection from the elements but also created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within the space. The roof’s funnel-like shape was designed to channel rainwater into a central courtyard, reflecting Kéré’s commitment to sustainable practices and resource management. This thoughtful integration of natural elements underscored the pavilion’s role as a living, breathing entity within the park.

Kéré’s design also emphasized transparency and openness. The walls of the pavilion were constructed using wooden slats arranged in a lattice pattern, allowing for natural ventilation and a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. This approach not only enhanced the pavilion’s aesthetic appeal but also ensured that it remained a comfortable and inviting space for visitors, regardless of the weather.

Architectural Features

The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 stands out with its unique blend of traditional and modern architectural elements. The structure’s central steel framework, while providing robust support, also allowed for a fluid and open design. This framework was meticulously engineered to balance strength with elegance, ensuring that the pavilion could withstand the elements while maintaining its airy and inviting atmosphere.

One of the most striking features of the pavilion was its expansive roof, which not only served a functional purpose but also became a defining aesthetic element. The roof’s intricate design, with its funnel-like shape, created a captivating visual effect, drawing the eye upwards and emphasizing the pavilion’s connection to the sky. This design choice also facilitated the collection of rainwater, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainability.

The use of wooden slats in the construction of the pavilion’s walls added another layer of architectural interest. These slats were arranged in a lattice pattern, creating a sense of transparency and openness. This design not only allowed for natural ventilation but also played with light and shadow, creating a dynamic and ever-changing interior environment. The interplay of light filtering through the wooden lattice added a sense of warmth and intimacy to the space, inviting visitors to linger and explore.

Materials Used

The Serpentine Pavilion 2017’s innovative design was brought to life through a thoughtful selection of materials that harmonized with its conceptual and functional goals. The primary material used for the pavilion’s structure was steel, chosen for its strength and versatility. This choice allowed for the creation of the pavilion’s distinctive, open framework, which provided both stability and an airy, inviting atmosphere. The steel framework was meticulously engineered to ensure that it could support the expansive roof while maintaining a sense of lightness and transparency.

Complementing the steel framework, the pavilion’s walls were constructed using wooden slats. These slats were sourced from sustainable timber, reflecting Diébédo Francis Kéré’s commitment to environmentally conscious design. The wood was treated to withstand the elements, ensuring durability while maintaining its natural aesthetic. The arrangement of the slats in a lattice pattern not only enhanced the pavilion’s visual appeal but also facilitated natural ventilation, creating a comfortable environment for visitors.

The roof of the pavilion was another key element where material choice played a significant role. It was crafted from a translucent polycarbonate material, which allowed natural light to filter through while providing protection from the rain. This material was selected for its lightweight properties and its ability to diffuse light, creating a soft, ambient glow within the pavilion. The use of polycarbonate also underscored the pavilion’s sustainable design, as it is a recyclable material that aligns with Kéré’s environmental ethos.

Construction Process

The construction of the Serpentine Pavilion 2017 was a meticulous endeavor that required a harmonious blend of precision engineering and skilled craftsmanship. The project began with a detailed site analysis to ensure that the pavilion would integrate seamlessly into Kensington Gardens. This initial phase involved surveying the landscape and preparing the ground to accommodate the structure’s unique design.

Once the groundwork was laid, the assembly of the pavilion’s steel framework commenced. This phase was critical, as the framework needed to be both robust and flexible to support the pavilion’s dynamic form. Skilled welders and engineers worked in tandem to erect the steel skeleton, ensuring that each component was perfectly aligned. The framework’s assembly was a testament to modern engineering, combining strength with an elegant, open design.

Following the completion of the steel framework, attention shifted to the installation of the wooden slats. Carpenters meticulously arranged the slats in a lattice pattern, a process that required both precision and an artistic touch. Each slat was carefully positioned to create the desired interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the pavilion’s aesthetic and functional qualities. The use of sustainable timber added an additional layer of complexity, as the material needed to be treated and handled with care to ensure its longevity.

Visitor Experience

The visitor experience at the Serpentine Pavilion 2017 was designed to be both immersive and engaging, drawing people into a space that encouraged interaction and reflection. As visitors approached the pavilion, they were greeted by the inviting structure, its open design and use of natural materials creating an immediate sense of welcome. The pavilion’s layout, with its central courtyard and surrounding seating areas, provided a variety of spaces for visitors to gather, converse, or simply enjoy a moment of solitude.

Inside the pavilion, the interplay of light and shadow created a dynamic atmosphere that changed throughout the day. The wooden slats allowed beams of sunlight to filter through, casting intricate patterns on the ground and walls. This ever-changing environment made each visit unique, as the pavilion responded to the shifting light and weather conditions. The central courtyard, with its rainwater collection feature, added an element of surprise and delight, particularly during rainy days when visitors could witness the water being channeled into the space.

Impact on Architecture

The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 left a lasting impression on the field of architecture, showcasing the potential of sustainable design and community-focused spaces. Diébédo Francis Kéré’s approach to the pavilion demonstrated how architecture can be both innovative and socially responsible, challenging architects to think beyond aesthetics and consider the broader impact of their work. The pavilion’s emphasis on natural materials and environmental consciousness resonated with contemporary architectural trends, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable practices.

The pavilion also highlighted the importance of cultural heritage in architectural design. Kéré’s incorporation of elements inspired by his native Burkina Faso brought a unique perspective to the project, enriching the architectural dialogue. This fusion of traditional and modern design principles created a space that was both rooted in history and forward-looking, offering valuable insights for architects and designers worldwide. The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 thus stands as a powerful example of how architecture can bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of global community.