jean nouvel: 10th serpentine gallery pavilion opening

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