The architectural highlight of the London summer has officially opened its doors on the lawns of Kensington Gardens. Mexico City-based studio LANZA atelier has unveiled a serpentine, marking a historic 25th commission in this prestigious annual architectural showcase.
- Designed by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, the structure is crafted out of 30,000 earthy orange bricks handmade right in South London, making it the first pavilion in the program’s history to be built entirely of brick. The structure centers on an undulating “crinkle-crankle” wall. This traditional English garden element relies on sinuous curves for structural stability, allowing for a single-brick depth that naturally optimizes warmth and wind resistance without collapsing. Topped with a lightweight translucent metal grid roof, the pavilion offers an unshowy, elegant sanctuary where light and air interact beautifully with the masonry. Visiting on a quiet Tuesday morning lets you appreciate this incredible dialogue with the surrounding landscape before the day’s park crowds arrive.
- The London Intelligence Brief:
- Dates: Open daily until October 25, 2026.
- Location: Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA.
- Price: Completely Free.
- Perfect For: Architecture aficionados, design minimalists, and upscale morning strolls.
- Website: serpentinegalleries.org
