Diébédo Francis Kéré, a celebrated Burkina Faso-born architect, designed the Serpentine Pavilion 2017, a striking example of minimalist architecture in London, UK. The pavilion’s innovative structure embraces the dynamic climate of London, showcasing Kéré’s signature design aesthetic. The pavilion features four entrances and a central courtyard, offering a respite from the sun on clear days. The pavilion’s wooden roof and walls provide shade during the day, and at night, the structure transforms into a luminous beacon, radiating light through its intricate openings.
The Serpentine Pavilion 2017, designed by renowned Burkina Faso-born architect Diébédo Francis Kéré, is a testament to minimalist architecture and innovative design. The pavilion, nestled within London’s Kensington Gardens, is a captivating structure that harmoniously interacts with its surroundings. 
Kéré’s design ingeniously incorporates the ever-changing London climate. On sunny days, the pavilion provides respite with its four entrances and a central courtyard, offering a haven for relaxation and recreation. During rainy days, the pavilion transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle as rainwater cascades down the canopy, creating a cascading waterfall effect. This collected rainwater serves a practical purpose, used for irrigation in the surrounding area. 
The pavilion’s structure is a symphony of wood, with a wooden roof and walls that provide shade from the sun during the day. As the sun sets, the pavilion transforms into a radiant beacon, illuminating the night with its internal light that spills out through the intricate openings in the walls, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 is a stunning example of Kéré’s architectural vision, showcasing the power of simple forms and innovative materials to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Project Information:
Architect: Diébédo Francis Kéré
Location: Kensington Gardens, London, UK
Year: 2017
Photographer: © Kéré Architecture
