- Pavilions are commissioned from architects who have not completed a building in England.
- Between 2000 and 2009, Arup has worked on all nine pavilions.
- The 2008 pavilion was the first time that architect Frank Gehry had collaborated with his son on a project.
The Serpentine Gallery Pavilion series is the world’s first and most ambitious architectural programme of its kind, and is one of the most anticipated events in the international design calendar. Designed by some of the world’s foremost architects in collaboration with Arup, the annual installation houses a programme of events and remains on-site for just three months.
Arup has worked on every pavilion since the inception of the series in 2000, and acts in a pivotal role, integrating all aspects of the design. Over the years, iconic pavilions have been realised with Rem Koolhaas, Toyo Ito, Alvaro Siza, Oscar Niemeyer and Daniel Libeskind.
The 2008 pavilion was designed by Frank Gehry. The spectacular structure – part amphitheatre, part processional gallery and part deconstructed barn - was anchored by four massive columns. The pavilion was composed of large timber baulks and a complex network of overlapping glass planes that created a dramatic, multi-dimensional space. Arup evaluated the design strategies, choice of materials and structural system for the pavilion, as well as providing engineering and specialist design.
At each stage of a pavilion’s development, Arup specialists advise on issues such as fire safety, accessibility, acoustic versatility for the performance programme and sourcing of sustainable materials, so ensuring sustainability in operation, electrical engineering and drainage strategy.
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