PROJECTS
The Seoul-based architect and his studio Mass Studies create an ode to the traditional Korean courtyard in their reimagination of the Serpentine Pavilion, which takes shape as five distinct “islands” of experiences arranged around a central “Archipelagic Void” for quiet contemplation.
By Himanshu Garg
28 July 2024
A visual of the Archipelagic Void, the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion designed by Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
For nearly two decades, the Serpentine Pavilion has served as a global stage for architectural experimentation, inviting architects who haven't yet built in the UK to showcase their talents in a temporary structure on the lawn of the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, London. Each architect is given just six months to design and construct their vision, which is then opened to the public for the summer months.
This year, the hallowed grounds welcome a revolutionary departure from the monolithic structures that have marked the pavilion’s past editions. Seoul-based architect Minsuk Cho, the visionary behind South Korean studio Mass Studies, unveiled the Archipelagic Void earlier last month — a captivating installation that deconstructs and reimagines the very essence of a pavilion. "We were given a great riddle to demonstrate what this pavilion can do," Cho reflects, on the unique challenge of designing the Serpentine Pavilion, which will remain open to the public until October 27, 2024.
The Entrance Gallery of the pavilion with integrated seating on the right and the Play Tower on the left | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
The Archipelagic Void consists of five distinct "islands" — an intriguing cluster of timber structures whose angular forms are softened by translucent PVC panels — encircling a central void. This radical reimagining of the pavilion typology draws inspiration from the madang, a communal courtyard found in traditional Korean homes.
The Play Tower (left) invites people of all ages to explore while the Tea House (right) pays homage to the Serpentine Gallery’s origins as a tea pavilion | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
Each island functions as a self-contained universe, a "content machine" offering a distinct experience. The Gallery, a luminous gateway to the archipelago, showcases a six-channel sound installation by South Korean music composer Jang Young-Gyu, which blends the sounds of nature with traditional Korean instruments. The Library of Unread Books, a collaborative endeavor between artist Heman Chong and archivist Renée Staal, invites visitors to donate and discover literary gems, transforming the pavilion into a repository of shared knowledge.
Visitors reading at the Library of Unread Books, a collaboration between Heman Chong and Renée Staal | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
The Tea House, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the bustling park, pays homage to the Serpentine Gallery's origins as a tea pavilion. Meanwhile, the Play Tower, adorned with a vibrant orange netscape, beckons visitors of all ages to engage in playful exploration. The largest island, the Auditorium, serves as a dynamic hub for gatherings, performances, and thought-provoking discussions.
At the heart of this architectural symphony lies the central void, a circular expanse of open sky that evokes the spirit of the Korean madang. "We looked at ways of bringing people together," Cho explains. "In our case, a way to bring together was to provide many choices." This communal space encourages spontaneous interactions and quiet contemplation, also blurring the boundaries between the built and natural environments.
The void, inspired by the Korean madang, acts as the communal heart and ties the whole pavilion together | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
Constructed with meticulous attention to sustainability, the pavilion utilizes locally sourced timber and recyclable PVC panels, minimizing its environmental impact. The modular design ensures adaptability and longevity, with the potential to be reassembled in 180 different configurations, promising a legacy of transformation and reinvention.
The largest island in the pavilion is the Auditorium, which acts as a place for impromptu events, gatherings and discussions | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
The Archipelagic Void is not merely a visual spectacle; it's an open invitation to explore the intersections of architecture, culture, and nature, and stands as a testament to the power of architecture to transcend boundaries. The soundscape, the library's literary treasures, and the Play Tower's interactive netscape engage visitors in a dynamic dialogue with their surroundings. With the pavilion's diverse program of events promising a summer filled with creative expression and exchange, this is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an architectural adventure.
The Auditorium is topped by an angular pitched roof and lined with translucent, pink-hued polycarbonate openings | Image Courtesy of Serpentine Gallery
