Summer has arrived in Hyde Park, bringing with it a breath of sophistication courtesy of this year’s Serpentine Pavilion. As part of an annual tradition, a different internationally renowned architect is selected each year to design a temporary structure for the gallery’s front lawn during the summer months. A Capsule in Time, designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, offers a stylish retreat for Londoners seeking a calm moment in the heart of the city. Warm and quietly clever, this structure brings a sense of awe and intrigue to the outdoor landscape of our beloved park.
From the moment you approach, the pavilion feels like a calming sanctuary. Crafted from rich timber arches and a translucent amber façade, it filters the summer sunlight with a warm, golden glow. Soft and inviting, the structure creates an intimate garden room, with each beam and panel framing the trees beyond.
Dappled light spills into the space, while the warm grain of the wood underfoot invites you to linger. The play of natural light against the timber creates shifting patterns that animate the floor, drawing the eye and calming the mind. At the centre, a mature tree punctuates the space, bringing the surrounding park inside. It serves as a quiet reminder that nature is at the heart of the architectural design. Its presence grounds the structure, creating a sense of continuity between the built environment and the landscape beyond.
Tabassum’s design draws inspiration from the shamiyana tents of South Asia, traditionally used for weddings and festivals. The pavilion celebrates community, conversation, and a sense of ceremony, honouring the spirit of this annual social space. The defining moment of the pavilion comes when one of the timber capsules glides open on hydraulic tracks, subtly transforming the space for talks or performances. It is a quiet feat of engineering that remains elegant and unobtrusive, in harmony with the pavilion’s calm and adaptive nature.
Next to the Serpentine Pavilion, renowned British architect Peter Cook has collaborated with Danish toymaker LEGO to create the domed Play Pavilion, a vibrant and playful space designed for children to enjoy. Bursting with colour and creativity, it adds a joyful contrast to the surrounding landscape.
The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion is open to the public from 6 June until 26 October 2025. Discover more here.