Seoul-based Korean architect Minsuk Cho and his firm, Mass Studies, have been revealed as the designers of the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion.
The pavilion, titled Archipelagic Void, will be unveiled at London’s Serpentine South Gallery on 5 June 2024. Its features include five “islands” centred around a singular circular void. Mass Studies envisions a void defined by a series of smaller, adaptable structures, dotted around the void’s perimeter. The structures will form a constellation-like arrangement, enabling the park’s natural ecology to emerge from the apertures between the structures.
The central void is reflective of a “madang” – a small courtyard found in traditional Korean houses – used to accommodate everyday activities and large collective events. Around the void, each structure will be realized as a “content machine” with each structure to be individually named and each serving a unique purpose.
Serpentine Pavilion 2024 designed by Minsuk Cho, Mass Studies. Design render, exterior view. Photo © Mass Studies.
Image: Image courtesy of Serpentine
The Serpentine South Gallery will provide entry to the pavilion outdoors, while the auditorium will serve as a gathering area. A small Library will feature to the north of the Pavilion, offering a moment of pause. The Tea House will honour the Serpentine South’s historical role as a tea pavilion. The Play Tower, the most open space, will feature a netted structure.
The Serpentine South Gallery will provide entry to the outdoor pavilion, while the auditorium will serve as a gathering area. A small library will be situated to the north of the pavilion, offering visitors a moment of reprieve and the Tea House will pay homage to the pavilion’s historical function as a tea pavilion. Finally, in the Play Tower, the most open space, will feature a netted structure. When these structures are integrated with the Archipelagic Void structures, ten distinct volumes are created – five covered, and five open, in-between areas – each surrounding the void. Highlighted by varying natural light conditions, these flexible spaces will host live programs and presentations.
The 23rd Serpentine Pavilion will be on display from 7 June until 27 October 2024.
