Each summer, London’s Kensington Gardens is turned into an arena of architectural vision and creativity as the Serpentine Pavilion is unveiled. This year, the focus is on Marina Tabassum, the celebrated Bangladeshi architect and educator who brings this much-coveted commission her own particular vision. Celebrating the 25th year of this summer institution, the 2025 Pavilion, A Capsule in Time, will be an extraordinary odyssey in space, light and nature one that encourages people to explore the frontiers of architecture.Supported for the 11th consecutive year by Goldman Sachs, this pavilion is more than a building but a reflective conversation between climate, culture and history. Tabassum’s philosophy of design is in line with the pioneering ethos of Dame Zaha Hadid, designer of the Serpentine Pavilion project in believing that architecture should never stop experimenting and innovating.
Architecture Based on Place and Purpose
What distinguishes Marina Tabassum’s work is the depth of connection to context. Her projects do not exist in a vacuum but have a deep resonance with their context. For the 2025 Pavilion, she takes inspiration from park visiting and the soft play of light under arched garden canopies.The pavilion itself extends north to south, centered on a courtyard precisely aligned with Serpentine South’s venerable bell tower. The four wooden capsules that enclose the building rise with gracious curves, their translucent fronts bathing in soft daylight in much the same way that leaves in a peaceful garden receive sunlight. This dance of light and shadow beckons guests into an experience that is both timeless and intensely rooted in nature.This pavilion is Tabassum’s first all-wooden building, and it demonstrates her dedication to sustainable and haptic materials that increase the sensory awareness of the visitor. One capsule also moves, enabling the pavilion to change shape and meaning, echoing the transient nature of the commission itself.
A Living Sculpture that Captures Nature’s Rhythms
At the pavilion’s core stands a semi-mature Ginkgo tree, a living legacy of history and survival. The Ginkgo is an ancient species that goes as far back as the early Jurassic Period, a testament to survival from era to era and climate shift. Its presence within this pavilion is symbolic in itself the convergence of ecology and architecture, urging humans to ponder the interaction between human design and nature.During summer and fall, the leaves of the Ginkgo will change from rich green to a radiant golden yellow, the seasons changing and passing in spectacular display. This tree is particularly selected not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its ability to withstand climate shifts and resist pest and disease. Once the pavilion closes in October, the tree will find new roots in the park, its legacy living beyond the temporary pavilion.Enjoying the Pavilion A visit to the Serpentine Pavilion has long been a cherished tradition for Londoners and tourists alike. This year, the experience is elevated by Tabassum’s subtle treatment of spatial design. The moving capsule is an invitation to engage with a dynamic atmosphere that tempts visitors to stop, think and wander.Inside, the play of light through the wooden shapes produces a reflective space where architecture comes alive, breathing with the cycles of day and season. The pavilion is not simply to be seen but lived in a place where the senses are awakened to the beauty of scale, geometry, and light.
The Legacy of Innovation Continues
Marina Tabassum’s Pavilion is a continuation of the Serpentine’s commitment to innovative architecture. Since 25 years ago, this commission has been a launching pad for architects to test and re-imagine what architecture can do. Tabassum’s contribution sits proudly alongside the works of visionary architects in the past, introducing a new voice informed by a profound understanding of culture and environment.This pavilion reminds us that architecture is not merely about buildings but about narratives, remembrance, and affection for place. It is a celebration of innovation, nature and enduring beauty.Plan Your Visit to the Serpentine Pavilion 2025 From June to October 2025, the pavilion presents an unforgettable experience for all those who desire to indulge in architecture at its best. Kensington Gardens is the ideal setting, blending history with the dynamism of modern design. Whether you are an architecture buff, an art and nature lover or just seeking an injection of inspiration, Marina Tabassum’s A Capsule in Time guarantees a tour of awe and discovery.
