Diébédo Francis Kéré designs 2017 Serpentine Pavilion in London
The 2017 Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Diébédo Francis Kéré, opened on June 23 in London's Kensington Gardens. The structure features a large wooden canopy with dynamic light and shadow effects, a sunlit central courtyard, and curved blue walls. Kéré, the first African architect to receive the commission, blended traditions from Burkina Faso with British construction techniques. The pavilion includes 420 wooden brise soleil elements and indigo-dyed timber walls. A series of events, including Park Nights curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist and the Radical Kitchen talk series, will take place at the pavilion until October 8.
Key facts
- Diébédo Francis Kéré designed the 2017 Serpentine Pavilion.
- The pavilion opened on June 23, 2017, in Kensington Gardens, London.
- Kéré is the first African architect to receive the Serpentine Pavilion commission.
- The design includes a wooden canopy, central courtyard, and blue curved walls.
- The canopy features 420 wooden brise soleil elements.
- The blue walls are made of timber and reference traditional indigo-dyed clothing.
- Park Nights, curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, will feature talks, screenings, and performances.
- Radical Kitchen is a new talk series focusing on inclusion and community.
Entities
Artists
- Diébédo Francis Kéré
Institutions
- Serpentine Gallery
- Serpentine Pavilion
- Kéré Architecture
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Kensington Gardens
- Gando
- Burkina Faso