counterspace's 2021 serpentine pavilion opens in london's hyde park

the 2021 serpentine pavilion, designed by sumayya vally of counterspace, has opened to the public in london’s hyde park. this year’s design pays homage to community spaces across london by translating real architectural elements into the final structure. the pavilion was originally set to open in the summer of 2020, however, due to the pandemic, counterspace’s commission was extended to two years. highlighting the importance of spaces where people can gather, interact and connect, the pavilion feels particularly poignant following a year of isolation and social distancing. 

serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace © counterspace | photo: iwan baan
video courtesy of serpentine galleries

the 2021 serpentine pavilion references locations across london such as markets, bookshops and local cultural institutions with particular relevance to migrant communities. pieces of existing buildings are abstracted, spliced and superimposed into one architectural collage, which is accompanied by a soundscape amplifying the stories and sounds of london’s lost spaces. the pavilion will remain on view in kensington gardens until october 17, 2021. additionally, fragments of the pavilion (seen below) occupy four sites of community importance across the city, with the goal of facilitating gatherings and impromptu interactions. find out more about the project in our exclusive interview with sumayya vally here.

serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace © counterspace | photo: iwan baan

‘my practice, and this pavilion, is centered around amplifying and collaborating with multiple and diverse voices from many different histories; with an interest in themes of identity, community, belonging and gathering,’ said sumayya vally, director of counterspace. ‘the past year has drawn these themes sharply into focus and has allowed me the space to reflect on the incredible generosity of the communities that have been integral to this pavilion. this has given rise to several initiatives that extend the duration, scale and reach of the pavilion beyond its physical lifespan. in a time of isolation, these initiatives have deepened the pavilion’s intents toward sustained collaboration, and I am excited to continue this engagement with the serpentine’s civic and education teams and our partners over the summer and beyond.’

serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace © counterspace | photo: iwan baan

hans ulrich obrist, artistic director, and bettina korek, chief executive, serpentine commented, ‘we look forward with great excitement to welcoming london to this remarkable space this june. our deepest appreciation goes to sumayya vally and to all our supporters and contractors for their enduring commitment to the serpentine pavilion. the spirit of community that has carried us as an institution throughout such a challenging year is the same that we hope to enliven this project. here’s to a new chapter.’

serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace © counterspace | photo: iwan baan

‘goldman sachs has a longstanding commitment to supporting the arts and — for the seventh consecutive year — we are proud to partner with the serpentine on the 2021 pavilion. the counterspace commission is a testament to sumayya vally and the extended serpentine team, who have worked to deliver this project through an enormously challenging period. we are inspired by the innovation, creativity and energy that has gone into realizing this year’s structure and we look forward to seeing the pavilion come to life,’ said richard gnodde, CEO of goldman sachs international, which supports the serpentine pavilion.

serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace © counterspace | photo: iwan baan

serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace © counterspace | photo: iwan baan

fragment of serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace for the tabernacle, notting hill
image by george darrell © counterspace

fragment of serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace for the albany, deptford 
image by george darrell © counterspace

fragment of serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace for new beacon books
image by george darrell © counterspace

fragment of serpentine pavilion 2021 designed by counterspace for valence library
image by george darrell © counterspace