Photos Give First Look At 2015 Serpentine Pavilion

SelgasCano's polychrome chrysalis-like tunnel structure is revealed at London's Hyde Park.

June 22, 2015, 1:30pm

Photo: Iwan Baan

The Serpentine Gallery in London's Hyde Park has revealed some images of the 15th summer pavilion which is due to open to the public this Thursday. The project has been built by Spanish architects SelgasCano, who's multi-colored chrysalis-style piece will be like a microcosm of the city.

The tunnels are covered with an opaque and translucent plastic (ETFE) shell which will color the inside, and it's been built with four entrances along with secret corridors that allow visitors to enter at different places. The ebb and flow of visitors through the structure is meant to echo the hustle and bustle of the London Underground subway system and the city streets.

Photo: Iwan Baan

Photo: Iwan Baan

"We sought a way to allow the public to experience architecture through simple elements: structure, light, transparency, shadows, lightness, form, sensitivity, change, surprise, color, and materials." the architects explain. "We have therefore designed a pavilion which incorporates all of these elements. The spatial qualities of the pavilion only unfold when accessing the structure and being immersed within it. Each entrance allows for a specific journey through the space, characterized by color, light, and irregular shapes with surprising volumes."

As well as referencing London's human traffic flow the new pavilion is also a homage to the previous installations in the annual event which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Photo: Iwan Baan

"At the heart of the pavilion is an open space for gathering as well as a café. We are also very much aware of the pavilion’s anniversary in our design for the 15th annual commission." the architects note. "The structure therefore had to be—without resembling previous pavilions—a tribute to them all and a homage to all the stories told within those designs."

Photography studio NAARO—Freya Najade and Marcela Spadaro—have been documenting the construction and released some photos ahead of the public opening. You can check them out below.