Explore Lina Ghotmeh’s remarkable design of the Serpentine Pavilion 2023, a festive timber giant igniting Kensington Gardens with a spirited party vibe.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Serpentine Pavilion 2023, designed by Lina Ghotmeh, is an eco-friendly structure, aiming to minimize carbon footprint.
The Pavilion's architecture is primarily wooden, inspired by tree canopies, blending beautifully with Kensington Gardens.
While the Pavilion’s external aesthetics may vary based on perspective, its interior charm and thoughtful design are universally captivating.
Serpentine Pavilion 2023: A Spectacular Party-Ready Edifice in Kensington Gardens
Beneath the serenity of Kensington Gardens, London, the Serpentine Pavilion 2023, crafted by the innovative French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, has become the life of the park, casting an alluring party vibe. This timber-laden, eco-friendly architecture, albeit resembling a flat-pack assembly, offers an enchanting place to dine and deliberate on food and sustainability.
In this exclusive video produced by Dezeen in collaboration with Serpentine Galleries (@SerpentineUK), Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh (@LinaGhotmeh) discusses her design for this year’s Serpentine Pavilion in London.
Resembling a colossal portobello mushroom, the Pavilion unfurls its wooden ribs from the rooftop center. Amid this low-slung canopy, reddish oak tables and stools await their guests in an enigmatic circle, echoing an important council gathering on the eve of a grand festivity.
Ghotmeh’s pavilion, contrasting sharply with last year’s imposing black cylinder by Theaster Gates, bears a unique modesty.Â
The design whispers a symphony of timber, emphasizing a minimal carbon footprint. Composed almost entirely of wood, it exhibits an assortment of elements from slender glu-lam spruce columns to fretwork plywood panels. The pavilion’s layout draws inspiration from the park’s tree canopies, resulting in a sustainable bio-building that champions harmony with the surrounding green.
Explore Lina Ghotmeh’s remarkable design of the Serpentine Pavilion 2023, a festive timber giant igniting Kensington Gardens with a spirited party vibe.
Aesthetics and Perspectives – From Above and Below
From an aerial perspective, the Pavilion is an elegant spectacle, flaunting a sharply folded zigzag roof that imparts an illusion of portability. But, as a pedestrian strolling into the venue, the first impression might not be as impactful.
Ghotmeh’s original concept of transparent glass walls has been replaced with CNC-cut plywood panels etched with floral patterns. These panels, although offering a quirky change, could also evoke thoughts of an overgrown piece of flat-pack furniture. Nevertheless, once inside, the Pavilion’s charm takes hold with its intricate ceiling design, and the fretwork recedes to let the outside trees capture attention.
À Table – Sharing a Meal Amid Sustainability Discussions
Labelled ‘À Table’, the Pavilion extends a delightful French invitation to eat together. Offering a Mediterranean-themed menu crafted in collaboration with Benugo, the Pavilion encourages thoughtful consumption, making visitors reflect on food and material resources.
A Question of Sustainability and Afterlife of Temporary Structures
While the Pavilion is a beacon of sustainability, questions persist about the destiny of such temporary structures post the festive season. Despite some pavilions finding subsequent utility, a majority remain stored, awaiting a new purpose by their affluent owners.Â
The possibility of repurposing these structures in public spaces could infuse new life into them, fulfilling a greater community need while keeping the festive spirit alive beyond the summer season.
The Serpentine Pavilion 2023, in its festive vibrancy, sparks critical conversations about sustainability, resource consumption, and the potential afterlife of temporary structures, making it more than just a party spot in Kensington Gardens.
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