Serpentine Pavilion 2017 designed by Francis Kéré
Francis Kéré, the award-winning architect from Gando, Burkina Faso, was commissioned to design the Serpentine Pavilion 2017
Serpentine Pavilion 2017 designed by Francis Kéré by © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan BaanSerpentine Galleries
Inspired by the tree that serves as a central meeting point for life in his home town of Gando, Francis Kéré designed a responsive Pavilion that sought to connect its visitors to nature and each other.
Serpentine Pavilion 2017 designed by Francis Kéré by © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan BaanSerpentine Galleries
An expansive roof, supported by a central steel framework, mimics a tree’s canopy, allowing air to circulate freely while offering shelter against London rain and summer heat.
Serpentine Pavilion 2017 Designed by Francis Kéré by © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan BaanSerpentine Galleries
At the centre of the Pavilion is a large opening in the canopy, creating an immediate connection to nature. In times of rain, the roof becomes a funnel channelling water into the heart of the structure.
"In the evening, the canopy becomes a source of illumination. Wall perforations will give glimpses of movement and activity inside the pavilion to those outside. In my home village of Gando (Burkina Faso), it is always easy to locate a celebration at night by climbing to higher ground and searching for the source of light in the surrounding darkness. This small light becomes larger as more and more people arrive to join the event. In this way the Pavilion will become a beacon of light, a symbol of storytelling and togetherness." Francis Kéré
Serpentine Pavilion 2017 designed by Francis Kéré by © Kéré Architecture, Photography © 2017 Iwan BaanSerpentine Galleries
"I love the idea of circles and curved walls. They can create communities, but not just at the centre of the Pavilion. There can be micro-communities around the centre." Francis Kéré
Serpentine Pavilion 2017: Francis KéréSerpentine Galleries
Tap to explore
Explore the 2017 Serpentine Pavilion for yourself!
Photography © Iwan Baan and John Offenbach
Film produced by Candida Richardson
