First Image of SANAA's 2009 Serpentine Pavilion Design

Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA today released a first rendering of their design for the 2009 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London’s Hyde Park.

SANAA: “The pavilion is floating aluminum, drifting freely between the trees like smoke. The reflective canopy undulates across the site, expanding the park and sky. Its appearance changes according to the weather, allowing it to melt into the surroundings. It works as a field of activity with no walls, allowing views to extend uninterrupted across the park and encouraging access from all sides. It is a sheltered extension of the park where people can read, relax and enjoy lovely summer days.”

There is no budget for the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion commission. It is paid for by sponsorship, sponsorship help-in-kind, and the sale of the finished structure, which does not cover more than 40% of its cost. The Serpentine Gallery collaborates with a range of companies and individuals whose support makes it possible to realize the Pavilion.

The pavilion is a temporary structure and will be open from July through October 2009.

Images: Kazuyo Sejima + Ryue Nishizawa / SANAA