The 2017 Serpentine Pavilion is traditionally located in the heart of Hyde Park, and designed by the award-winning architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, it is the most spectacular one yet. It combines the beauty, the purity and the effectiveness every good design should have. Let me introduce to you to the ‘Tree of Life’.
In the 17 years of the Serpentine Pavilion’s history, there have been many interesting architectural constructions. It is safe to say that majority of these projects have been life-changing and remembered long after they have been taken down. The 2017 has been marked by many political, economic, and environmental issues. Inspired by his roots, D. F. Kéré decided to design a structure that focuses strongly on the community and promotes gathering whilst respecting the environment and providing a shelter in the unpredictable British weather. During rain, it creates a fascinating waterfall in the centre of the structure and collects the water to be then used in the Kensington Gardens.
The unique colour choice (also protecting the wood) has been inspired be the architect’s country of origin, Burkina Faso, where indigo blue represents strength and confidence. The inside structure is made from steel to add longevity. The Pavilion is also magically lit at night, to attract the passers-by through showing a welcoming light.
This year Serpentine transforms into a cultural melting pot, through bringing together places where the architect was born, where his practice is based, and where the design is currently located – Gando, Berlin and London, respectively. The pavilion embodies the development process which is a crucial part of creating any architecture project. The decisions behind why a building looks as such is also the subject of this year’s Chicago Architecture Biennial which uncovers the history and strives to make a new one… more on this soon!
