The upcoming Serpentine Pavilion, a significant event in the architectural and cultural calendar, will see a design by acclaimed Bangladeshi architect and educator Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). Titled ‘A Capsule in Time’, the structure aims to be a focal point for engagement and reflection within Kensington Gardens.
Marking the 25th anniversary of this influential commission, Tabassum’s creation is set to continue the tradition of architectural experimentation. Her design philosophy, which emphasizes a connection to place, climate, context, culture, and history, will be evident in the Pavilion. It is intended to create a dialogue between the enduring nature of the Serpentine South gallery and the temporary essence of the Pavilion itself.
The Pavilion’s structure is conceived as an elongated form oriented north-south, featuring a central court that aligns with the bell tower of Serpentine South. Inspiration is drawn from the experience of being in a park and the gentle diffusion of light through garden canopies. This is translated into four wooden capsule-like forms with a translucent façade, designed to filter and dapple incoming light. Notably, this will be Tabassum’s first structure built entirely from wood. Light itself is a key material, employed to enhance the spatial qualities of the Pavilion.
A central feature of the design is a semi-mature Ginkgo tree, a species known for its climate resilience and ancient lineage, dating back to the early Jurassic Period. The Pavilion will be built around this tree, highlighting the interplay between the built environment and the natural world. The choice of the Ginkgo also reflects a commitment to biodiversity within Kensington Gardens, as the tree is tolerant to climate change and not susceptible to many current pests and diseases. It is planned for the tree to be replanted in the park after the Pavilion’s tenure. The changing colors of the Ginkgo’s leaves, from green to gold-yellow, will form a natural, evolving backdrop throughout the summer and autumn.
The design incorporates a kinetic element, with one of the capsule forms able to move and connect, allowing the Pavilion to transform its spatial configuration. This dynamic aspect underscores the architect’s focus on the sensory and spiritual potential of architecture, achieved through scale, geometry, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Beyond its architectural statement, the Pavilion is envisioned as a versatile space for connection and knowledge sharing. Tabassum and her team have curated a selection of books celebrating Bengali culture, literature, poetry, ecology, and Bangladesh. These will be housed on shelves integrated into the structure, with the long-term vision for the Pavilion, after its time on Serpentine’s lawn, to become a publicly accessible library.
A program of events will accompany the Pavilion, including conversations, live performances, and family-oriented activities. These activations aim to utilize the Pavilion as a platform for interdisciplinary encounters in music, poetry, performance, and dance, with artists creating new site-specific works. Educational tours will also be offered, exploring the design and the history of the Serpentine Pavilion commission.
The selection of this year’s Pavilion design was undertaken by a committee including Serpentine’s leadership and curatorial team, along with architectural advisors. The project receives continued support from Goldman Sachs, marking their eleventh consecutive year of partnership. AECOM will provide engineering and project management services, and Stage One Creative Services will be responsible for the construction, their sixteenth Pavilion delivery.
A catalogue, co-published by Serpentine and Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther und Franz Konig, Köln, and designed by Wolfe Hall, will accompany the Pavilion. It will feature contributions from various figures in art and architecture, photographic essays, and conversations with Marina Tabassum, offering deeper insights into her practice and the Pavilion’s development. A limited-edition print by Tabassum will also be released.
The Serpentine Pavilion ‘A Capsule in Time’ is scheduled to be open to the public from June 6th until October 26th, 2025. A press view is slated for Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, with speeches at 10:00 am. Photography and filming opportunities will be available from 8:30 am on the same day, with a photocall at 9:30 am. Specific event dates include Marina Tabassum in conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist on Friday, June 6th at 4:30 pm; Park Nights commencing in July; the Pavilion Family Day on Saturday, July 19th; and a day of activations in partnership with New Currency and Alaska Alaska on Saturday, September 13th.
