serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault


2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the serpentine gallery. in celebration,
this year's serpentine gallery pavilion has been designed by french architect jean nouvel.
this is his first completed building in the UK.

the pavilion commission has become an international site for architectural experimentation.
the immediacy of the commission - a maximum of six months from invitation to completion -
provides a distinct model worldwide.



serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault


jean nouvel's pavilion is constructed from glass, polycarbonate and fabric structures.
made-up of cantilevered parts and retractable awnings, the bold geometric forms of the
building are rendered in a bright red, contrasting the natural park setting in which
it is situated. the color reflects iconic british images such as telephone boxes and london buses.



serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault


around the pavilion, nouvel has created spaces for outdoor enjoyment and play,
bringing the tradition of french civic parks to london. red table tennis tables, draughts,
chess, frisbees and kits will be available for the public to play with throughout the
summer months.



interior view of the pavilion café
serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault


ARUP provides all the engineering and specialist design solutions for the pavilion.
ARUP director david glover commented: 'it is a privilege to support the pavilion
programme again this year on its 10th anniversary. arup's commitment to the
serpentine pavilion reflects our belief in the project and the positive experience our
teams get from working with some of the most exciting architects of our time.
ateliers jean nouvel are renowned for taking a rigorous and cnotextual approach
to design which brings delight and surprise to all their projects. this year's pavilion
is sure to be no exception.'



the structure is made up of retractable awnings
serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault


the pavilion will be open from july 10th to october 17th, 2010.
on june 12th, 2010 jean nouvel will give a talk at the serpentine gallery to discuss his
design for the pavilion.



the pavilion includes a freestanding wall that climbs 12m above the lawn, sloping at a gravity defying angle
serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault



exterior view of the pavilion and park surroundings
serpentine gallery pavilion 2010
designed by jean nouvel
© ateliers jean nouvel
photograph: philippe ruault