The summer pavilion is one of the most effective ways of communicating the inspiring possibilities of architecture to the general public. Whether they are designed primarily as gathering spaces or as follies that invite individual reflection, these types of installations present new ideas for shaping space in often novel materials and with nascent technologies. And, especially our post-lockdown era, their invitation for everyone to share in a public outdoor space with joy and abandon could not be more heartening. The five summer pavilions of 2024 we present here offer a variety of perspectives on architecture – while inviting all to participate in their wonders.

1

Serpentine Pavilion: Archipelagic Void by Mass Studies

London, UK – On until October 24

South Korean architect Minsuk Cho and his firm Mass Studies has devised an exciting, multi-functional Serpentine Pavilion for the 23rd edition of the highly anticipated summer series (which is part of the London Festival of Architecture). His star-shaped building is comprised of five islands, each unique in size, form, name and purpose, that come together at a central void. The design draws its reference from the madang, an open courtyard found in traditional Korean houses.

Animated by the Serpentine Galleries’ Park Nights programming, each structure is envisioned as a “content machine” with a distinct purpose. The Gallery features a six-channel sound installation by Jang Young-Gyu; the Library, or “The Library of Unread Books,” is a collaboration with artist Heman Chong and archivist Renée Staal; the Auditorium has benches built into its inner walls; the Play Tower is a pyramid structure fitted with a bright orange netscape; and the Tea House is a place of repose that references the architecture of the original Serpentine Galleries. These five covered spaces combine with five open areas to maximize public space – and public engagement.

2

Reflection in Numbers by Yinka Ilori

Berlin – On until October 31

Aptly anointed the Architect of Joy, British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori has created this boisterous, green-roofed timber pavilion in Berlin. It’s wrapped in elements including a bright yellow lattice and a screen of calabashes, a plant used to make musical instruments – such as the kora and the ngoni – in West Africa.

While vibrant in appearance, the pavilion has a deeper intention. On the interior, the calabashes are lined in mirrors, an impetus for self-reflection. As part of Haus der Kulturen der Welt’s festival “Ballet of the Masses – On Football and Catharsis” (timed to coincide with this summer’s UEFA games), the work serves as a response to the racist chants that are sometimes hurled at soccer players by spectators in the stands. With its theme of multiplying visitors’ presence, it invites them “to embark on a critical and artistic journey that explores the complex themes of racism in sports and personal accountability.”

3

London Festival of Architecture: Squiggle by NEON

London, UK – On until September

A shock of colour and sinuousness, the Squiggle seating was created by NEON (and commissioned by Brookfield Properties) to take its perch at Citypoint as part of the London Architecture Festival. Inspired by LFA’s theme of “Reimagine,” the designers sought to represent the non-linear nature of life. Moments of serendipity are encouraged.

The entire structure was envisioned to be completely recycled: its flexible PVC construction ducting and aluminum elements will be turned into piping and smelted aluminum and its concrete ballast will be repurposed by Whitewalls for future installations.

4

City Cortex: Port_All by Yves Béhar

Lisbon – On until November

Launched by cork manufacturer Amorim, City Cortex celebrates the renewable material in myriad ways by commissioning installations by architects the world over. This summer’s participants are Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Eduardo Souto de Moura, Gabriel Calatrava, Leong Leong, Sagmeister & Walsh and Yves Béhar.

A mini-tower of patterned cork tiles, Béhar’s “Port_All” was inspired by Lisbon’s Torre de Bélem, a fortified defence structure built in 1519. Standing at four metres high, Béhar’s version feature bendable and bi-directional tiles work that insulate visitors from both noise and weather. Plus, once you enter the slender the building, you are immersed in a forest green that mimics the surroundings. 

5

International Garden Festival: Couleur Nature by Vanderveken, Architecture + Paysage

Reford Gardens, Grand-Métis, Quebec – June 22 to October 6

The renowned International Garden Festival’s returns with its 25th edition, “The Ecology of Possibility.” Among its four main gardens is “Couleur Nature” by Quebec’s own Vanderveken, Architecture + Paysage. Described as a “curious study” on the roles that gardens play in our society, the installation strives to juxtapose the two most enduring visions of the garden: the utilitarian lawn for individual leisure in contrast to contemplative gardens for collective enjoyment.

While viewing the two realms through a sociological lens, the installation also makes a political and environmental point: it “demonstrates the absurdity of a dominant mono-culture which has no use apart from simply enabling humans to experience satisfaction watering and mowing their lawn and filling their swimming pools on a perpetual cycle that contributes to the gradual decline of our biodiversity.”