Lanza Atelier, a distinguished Mexican architectural firm, has recently revealed its innovative design for the 2026 Serpentine Pavilion. This highly anticipated structure, dubbed "A Serpentine," reinterprets the classic English garden wall with a contemporary twist. The pavilion aims to blend historical architectural elements with modern design principles, promising a unique visitor experience within London's iconic Kensington Gardens.
Lanza Atelier's "A Serpentine" Pavilion to Grace Kensington Gardens in 2026
In a significant announcement for the architectural world, Mexican studio Lanza Atelier has officially released the conceptual renderings for its 2026 Serpentine Pavilion. Set to be unveiled in London's picturesque Kensington Gardens, adjacent to the esteemed Serpentine Gallery, this captivating structure will be accessible to the public from the golden hues of June 6 through the crisp air of October 25, 2026. The pavilion, aptly christened "A Serpentine," draws profound inspiration from the distinctive serpentine, or crinkle-crankle, brick walls commonly found gracing English gardens. These historical walls, celebrated for their wave-like form and structural ingenuity, require fewer bricks than their straight counterparts while maintaining superior stability. The design by Lanza Atelier, co-founded by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo in Mexico City in 2015, meticulously mirrors this unique brickwork, paying homage to both ancient Egyptian origins—where these walls first appeared—and their subsequent introduction to England by Dutch engineers. The proposed pavilion is envisioned as a dual-component masterpiece: one section will house a primary enclosed space, sheltered by a transparent roof, inviting visitors to gather and reflect. The second component will feature an expansive outdoor area, thoughtfully delineated by a winding brick bench, encouraging communal interaction and repose. This architectural endeavor not only references the historical significance of the serpentine wall but also respectfully echoes the distinctive red brick facade of the Serpentine South Gallery. Lanza Atelier expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the pavilion's esteemed legacy of experimental design and fostering communal encounters, envisioning the structure as a device that orchestrates movement, modulates rhythm, and frames moments of contemplation. Serpentine Gallery's artistic director, Hans Ulrich Obrist, lauded Lanza Atelier for their deep engagement with local contexts, materials, and lived experiences, affirming the pavilion's role as a vibrant hub for lectures, film screenings, and performances. This marks the 25th iteration of the Serpentine Pavilion, a tradition initiated in 2000 by the pioneering Zaha Hadid, whose spirit of experimentation continues to guide the program.
This year's Serpentine Pavilion design by Lanza Atelier offers a compelling blend of historical reverence and forward-thinking architectural philosophy. It reminds us that innovation often springs from reinterpreting the past and that even the simplest materials, like brick, can be transformed into works of profound beauty and purpose. The pavilion's focus on creating spaces for community and reflection underscores the enduring human need for connection and shared experiences within our built environment.