The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion by Marina Tabassum Architects, titled A Capsule in Time, explores impermanence, tactility, and light through a modular timber structure in London's Kensington Gardens.
Inspired by the hydrologic landscapes of Bangladesh, the pavilion features four translucent capsules, drawing attention to shifting light and ephemerality.
Using wood for the first time, Marina Tabassum aimed for dry construction potential, future reuse, and local availability in the design of the pavilion.
A kinetic capsule within the pavilion allows parts to shift for public programming, showcasing the integration of functional space with connective design.
The pavilion hosts a ginkgo tree at its center, symbolizing resilience and bringing life into the structure to create a unique atmosphere.
Bookshelves with banned Bengali literature and other texts serve to promote knowledge sharing and dialogue in a time of global censorship and uncertainty.
Marina Tabassum's approach to the pavilion reflects her fascination with architecture's connection to time and light, drawing inspiration from her Bangladeshi roots.
The design intentionally incorporates translucent facades to play with light and shadow, highlighting the interplay of natural elements within the space.
The pavilion's sustainability is enhanced by the conscious choice of materials like wood and polycarbonate, ensuring future reuse and minimal environmental impact.
Through elements like the kinetic structure, integration of nature, and emphasis on knowledge sharing, the pavilion becomes a space for resistance, celebration, and community engagement.