Marina Tabassum Opens 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London

The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London's Kensington Gardens, titled A Capsule in Time, is designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and her firm Marina Tabassum Architects. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Serpentine's architectural program, the pavilion features a modular timber structure composed of four translucent wooden capsules aligned north-south, with a kinetic element allowing parts to move and reconfigure the space. Inspired by the ephemeral landscapes of Bangladesh and the tradition of South Asian ceremonial tents called shamianas, the pavilion integrates light and tactility to create a contemplative and sensory experience. Built around a climate-resilient Ginkgo tree, the pavilion reflects Tabassum's focus on adaptability, impermanence, and connection to place, climate, and history. Supported by Goldman Sachs for the 11th consecutive year, this pavilion continues the legacy of architectural experimentation initiated by Zaha Hadid’s inaugural 2000 commission. Alongside the pavilion, a collection of Bengali cultural books is housed within the structure to foster knowledge sharing and community engagement.