Serpentine Pavilion 2018 designed by Frida Escobedo

Architect Frida Escobedo, celebrated for dynamic projects that reactivate urban space, was commissioned to design the Serpentine Pavilion 2018.

Serpentine Pavilion 2018, designed by Frida Escobedo, by © Frida Escobedo, Taller de Arquitectura, Photography © 2018 Iwan BaanSerpentine

Harnessing a subtle interplay of light, water and geometry, Escobedo's atmospheric courtyard-based design drew on both the domestic architecture of Mexico and British materials and history.

Serpentine Pavilion 2018, designed by Frida Escobedo by © Frida Escobedo, Taller de Arquitectura, Photography © 2018 Iwan BaanSerpentine

Two reflecting elements emphasise the movement of light and shadow inside the Pavilion over the course of the day. The curved underside of the canopy is clad with mirrored panels, and a triangular pool cast into the Pavilion floor traces its boundary directly beneath the edge of the roof.

Serpentine Pavilion 2018, designed by Frida Escobedo by © Frida Escobedo, Taller de Arquitectural, Photography © 2018 Norbert TukajSerpentine

As the sun moved across the sky, reflected and refracted by these features, visitors felt a heightened awareness of time spent in play, improvisation and contemplation over the summer months.

Serpentine Pavilion 2018, designed by Frida Escobedo by © Frida Escobedo, Taller de Arquitectura, Photography © 2018 Iwan BaanSerpentine

The axis of the internal courtyard aligned directly to the north, referring to the Prime Meridian, which was established in 1851 at Greenwich.

Serpentine Pavilion 2018, designed by Frida Escobedo by © Frida Escobedo, Taller de Arquitectura, Photography © 2018 Ste MurraySerpentine

"For the Serpentine Pavilion, we have added the materials of light and shadow, reflection and refraction, turning the building into a timepiece that charts the passage of the day." Frida Escobedo

Serpentine Pavilion 2018: Frida Escobedo by Serpentine GalleriesSerpentine

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Explore the 2018 Serpentine Pavilion for yourself!

Credits: Story

Photography © Iwan Baan, Ste Murray, and Norbert Tukaj
Film produced by Candida Richardson

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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