The 2015 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion was revealed today in London, showcasing the colorful plastic design by SelgasCano to the public for the first time. Consisting of a minimal steel frame wrapped in multi-colored ETFE sheets and webbing, the design is encompassed by "secret corridors" which provide access to the main internal space, inspired by the multi-layered and sometimes chaotic network of the London underground.
Known for their work with synthetic materials, SelgasCano's use of colored ETFE provides the structure with "movement and lightness" as the plastic is able to deflect a little within the rigid steel frame - offering a dynamic and almost fragile alternative to our usual expectations of enclosure. Working with engineers Aecom and David Glover, the ETFE used was printed in 19 colors to achieve the kaleidoscopic design of the architects.
As the 15th anniversary of the Serpentine Pavilion program - which was inaugurated in 2000 with Zaha Hadid's angular tent structure - this year's architects José Selgas and Lucía Cano explain that although it does not resemble anything that has been realized on the site before, the new pavilion is nonetheless "a tribute to them all and a homage to all the stories told within those designs."
The Pavilion is officially open to the public from June 25th to October 18th, during which time it will also host live events on Friday evenings as part of the "Serpentine’s Park Nights" series. More information is available at the Serpentine Gallery's website.
