Serpentine Summer Pavilion Unveiled

Serpentine Summer Pavilion Unveiled
|

A giant multi-coloured tent has been unveiled in Kensington Gardens.

The tunnelled structure, inspired by the London Underground, has been created for the 15th annual summer pavilion at the Serpentine Gallery.

Consisting of panels of translucent, multi-coloured polymer "wrapped like webbing", the double-skinned, temporary pavilion features a "secret corridor" and stained glass-effect interior.

Spanish architects selgascano, consisting of Jose Selgas and Lucia Cano, said that they were inspired by the ways in which people move through London.

Built on the Serpentine's lawn in London's Kensington Gardens, the space will feature a cafe open throughout the summer.

Julia Peyton-Jones, director of Serpentine galleries, said: "It's an extraordinary structure, and so different to every pavilion that has come before."

She added: "When we began the commission in 2000 there was a growing interest in architecture in the UK and London especially.

"There's always a huge sense of anticipation about who the next pavilion architect will be and the commission has become a hugely anticipated landmark in London each summer. Now it's a ritual that heralds the start of summer."

Previous pavilions have included designs by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, the late Oscar Niemeyer and Zaha Hadid, who designed the first structure.

The pavilion is open from June 25 to October 18 at the Serpentine Gallery.