The Serpentine Pavilion, a summer staple in Kensington Gardens, has once again transformed into a captivating architectural masterpiece. This year, the honor goes to Lanza Atelier, a Mexico City-based studio, whose design is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. The pavilion's centerpiece is a crinkle-crankle wall, a fascinating architectural element with a rich history.
What makes this design particularly intriguing is the studio's approach to a seemingly mundane material: brick. The pavilion features a wavy wall of rust-colored bricks, a nod to the crinkle-crankle's origins in rural Suffolk and its presence in ancient civilizations. Lanza Atelier's interpretation adds a layer of complexity, as they set the bricks back to front, creating a woven textile-like surface. This subtle transformation elevates the ordinary, sparking curiosity and a sense of wonder.
The crinkle-crankle wall is not just an aesthetic choice; it serves a structural purpose. Mathematicians might describe it as sinusoidal, providing inherent stability and resisting lateral forces. This design choice is particularly clever, as it allows for a robust structure with a single layer of bricks, eliminating the need for additional buttressing. When constructed on an east-west axis, the south-facing side catches the sun, creating a microclimate ideal for fruit tree cultivation.
Lanza Atelier's philosophy aligns with the pavilion's mission to showcase new talent and challenge conventional architectural norms. They embrace the concept of 'gentle geometry', where the structure is 'continually responsive to those who move through it'. This philosophy is evident in the undulating form, which mimics the curves of the existing tree canopies and the Serpentine pond. The design also includes a serpentine-shaped bench, creating a cohesive and playful experience.
The pavilion's simplicity is striking, with a flat glass roof supported by a steel grid and fixed louvres to deflect the summer sun. However, it is the crinkle-crankle wall that steals the show, attracting attention instead of dividing spaces. Lanza Atelier's interpretation of the brick, a material often associated with permanence, adds a layer of intrigue and challenges the notion that temporary structures must be ephemeral.
This year's pavilion is a testament to the power of architectural experimentation and the ability to transform a simple material into a captivating work of art. Lanza Atelier's design not only showcases their creativity but also highlights the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and challenging architectural conventions. As the studio's work unfolds, it invites us to reconsider the potential of brick and the endless possibilities within architectural design.
