À Table (Serpentine Pavilion 2023)
Every year since the millennium a new pavilion structure is commissioned by Serpentine with the remit to be a meeting place, cafe and learning space. It’s also a chance for both new and established architects to flex their skills with a cover-worthy vision for their portfolio.
The often exotic results provide frequent opportunity for anyone with an opinion to engage in the debate about what makes a building beautiful. This year’s entry is no different, though it distinctly sets itself apart in one aspect some architects far too often appear to leave off their consideration list: habitability.
Over 13 million people visit Hyde Park each year, and a fair few of them love nothing more than to sit on a comfortable bench for a coffee and a friendly chat. Last year’s hot sauna box seemed to aggressively dissuade you from even entering, much less stay inside. Not so this year’s absolutely soothing, social table.
The circular wooden design is ringed with perforated screens. They enhance the feeling of being in a separate, special space, yet never prevent you from seeing the outside world. A nine-sided oculus fills the interior with light. Tables zig-zag in a circular motion around the perimeter. Each provides a small pocket of privacy, but the inter-connected experience enables eavesdropping. Or for those decidedly less British, a chance for some friendly engagement with a random stranger.
I chose to people watch and listen to my neighbours while enjoying two scoops of gelato. Then I made a quick sketch of the ceiling before setting off, feeling incredibly fresh and rested.
If you go, be sure to also pop in to the nearby gallery to see “Web(s) of Life” — an artistic collaboration between Tomás Saraceno (@studiotomassaraceno) and spiders. Yes, spiders! 🕷️🕸️
This year’s pavilion was designed by Lina Ghotmeh.
Plan your visit
‘À Table’ runs until 29 October.
Free — though expect a queue on busy weekends
📍Nearest Tube stations: Lancaster Gate (10 min walk) and South Kensington (15 min walk).
Visit serpentinegalleries.org and follow @SerpentineUK on Instagram for more info about the venue.
Visit linaghotmeh.com and follow @LinaGhotmeh and @linaghotmeh_architecture on Instagram for more info about the architect.
🖼️ Want more art? Visit the What’s On page to see a list of recommended shows, sorted by closing date. Don’t miss ‘em!