Marina Tabassum Designs Serpentine Pavilion for Seamless Park Integration

Marina Tabassum, a renowned Bangladeshi architect, has captivated the architectural world once again with her design for the 25th Serpentine Pavilion, titled “A Capsule in Time.” This temporary installation brings together tradition, sustainability, and modern modularity.

It promises to serve as both a summer community hub and a resource for future repurposing. Open to the public from June 6 to October 26, 2025, in London’s Kensington Gardens, Tabassum’s design adds an innovative contribution to the Serpentine Pavilion series.

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Exploring the Design: A Modern Take on Heritage

The Serpentine Pavilion 2025 is made up of four arched timber structures. These modules are surrounded by translucent polycarbonate panels that let in natural light and create a sense of openness.

Tabassum drew inspiration from South Asian ceremonial tents known as Shamiyanas. Her design blends heritage with modernity in a striking way.

Architectural Features

The pavilion stands 4.8 meters tall and uses glued-laminated timber for strength and sustainability. Built-in bookshelves double as seating, offering both utility and style.

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A café at the southern end encourages visitors to relax and enjoy the space. The central courtyard is designed to integrate the greenery of Kensington Gardens into the pavilion’s layout.

A Gingko tree is placed to align with the Serpentine Gallery’s bell tower. This feature connects the installation to its surroundings.

Sustainability at Its Core

Sustainability is central to the design of “A Capsule in Time.” Tabassum created the pavilion with a focus on its future use, ensuring it will serve as a resource beyond its initial purpose.

After October 2025, the structure will be repurposed as a library. This demonstrates the potential of modular architecture to adapt over time.

Key Sustainability Attributes

Reusability: The modular design allows the pavilion to be dismantled and reused with minimal waste.

Natural Light: Semi-transparent panels maximize daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Value-Driven Design: Materials and layout are chosen to support future use as a library.

A Gathering Place for Community

Tabassum’s pavilion is envisioned as a welcoming space for unity and cultural exchange. The modular layout provides room for activities and events throughout the summer.

From social gatherings to performances, “A Capsule in Time” offers a shared space for visitors to connect. The design encourages meaningful interaction among guests.

Community-Focused Design Elements

Strategic Courtyard: The entrance draws visitors in and makes the park feel part of the experience.

Multi-Functional Features: Bookshelf seating and the café serve the public in multiple ways.

Alignment with Nature: The Gingko tree centers the pavilion and invites reflection in the park setting.

A Legacy in the Serpentine Pavilion Series

As the 25th Serpentine Pavilion, “A Capsule in Time” follows installations by Minsuk Cho in 2024 and Lina Ghotmeh in 2023. Each pavilion reflects its designer’s vision and invites visitors to rethink public spaces.

Looking Ahead

The pavilion will remain on-site until October 2025. Architecture enthusiasts and visitors can experience the innovative design throughout the summer.

After deinstallation, “A Capsule in Time” will transition into a library. This ensures its legacy continues beyond the original installation dates.

Marina Tabassum’s contribution to the Serpentine Pavilion series highlights the importance of architecture in cultural dialogue. Her work blends heritage with innovation and creates a space for connection.

Here is the source article for this story: Marina Tabassum unveils Serpentine Pavilion that “allows the park to flow in”