peter zumthor's serpentine pavilion is now complete

located in london, england, the 11th serpentine gallery pavilion designed by swiss architect peter zumthor is now complete. the current addition to the annual series, established by gallery director julia peyton-jones, joins the repertoire of commissions which includes structures created by frank gehry, jean nouvel, and SANAA. funded through contributions by dedicated sponsors, this location will host high profile public talks and events beginning july 1 through october 16, 2011.

visitor’s approach to the pavilion’s three entry points
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

this work fulfills zumthor’s vision of ‘hortus conclusus’, an endeavor which focuses upon a synthesized experience between architecture and vegetation. the pavilion is constructed with a lightweight timber frame and then wrapped with scrim and coated with a black paste-and-sand mixture. upon traveling through a matrix of dark hallways with intermittent streams of natural light, this material gestures visitors attention away from the bustling city and towards the secluded intimate interior.

discreet entry portals
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

upon entering the hidden central space, the open roof over the garden illuminates the courtyard while seating around the perimeter of the vegetation offers onlookers a pleasant view. this pavilion’s enclosed pleasure garden is the product of an unprecedented joint initiative with dutch designer piet oudolf. the carefully chosen flora produces an array of colors, fragrances and textures which consume the individuals corporeal senses. additionally attracting butterflies and bees into the space, this unexpected encounter with nature redirects contemplation skyward creating a meditative atmosphere.

facade
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

designboom published the schematic design for this project upon its recent release to the public.

interior hallway
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

interior corner
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

open roof over the central garden
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

circulation space surrounds focal garden designed by piet oudolf
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor

circulation space surrounds the focal garden designed by piet oudolf
serpentine gallery pavilion 2011, designed by peter zumthor
image by walter herfst © peter zumthor