On its 40th Anniversary, the Serpentine Gallery in London has commissioned Jean Nouvel to design its 10th Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, “the world’s first and most ambitious architectural program of its kind.” A snippet from the press release on the building:
The design for the 2010 Pavilion is a contrast of lightweight materials and dramatic metal cantilevered structures. The entire design is rendered in a vivid red that, in a play of opposites, contrasts with the green of its park setting. In London the colour reflects the iconic British images of traditional telephone boxes, post boxes and London buses.
The building consists of bold geometric forms, large retractable awnings and a freestanding wall that climbs 12m above the lawn, sloping at a gravity defying angle. It experiments with the idea of play in its incorporation of the French tradition of outdoor table-tennis. Striking glass, polycarbonate and fabric structures create a versatile system of interior and exterior spaces. The flexible auditoria will accommodate the Serpentine Gallery Park Nights and Marathon and the changing summer weather.
Open from July to October the Pavilion will house a cafe, public space and venue for Park Nights, the Gallery’s program for public talks and events.
For more: Serpentine Gallery
