Serpentine South Gallery, Kensington Gardens, London, United Kingdom
The Serpentine Pavilion enters a landmark chapter in 2026 as Mexican architecture studio LANZA atelier has been selected to design the Pavilion’s 25th edition.
Titled a serpentine, the temporary structure will open to the public at Serpentine South in London’s Kensington Gardens from 6 June to 25 October 2026, continuing one of the world’s most influential architectural commissions.
Founded in Mexico City by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, LANZA atelier brings a distinctive approach to architecture that merges craftsmanship, material intelligence, and social engagement.
Their design for the Serpentine Pavilion takes inspiration from the historic serpentine, or crinkle-crankle brick wall—a curving structural form that originated in ancient Egypt and later became associated with English garden landscapes.
By relying on its undulating geometry for stability, the wall requires fewer bricks than a conventional straight wall while creating a dynamic spatial experience.
At the heart of a serpentine is a winding brick wall that shapes the pavilion and gives the project its name.
The design also references the nearby Serpentine Lake, whose gentle curves echo the movement of a serpent through the landscape.
A second wall works in dialogue with the surrounding trees, while a lightweight translucent roof is supported by a rhythmic arrangement of brick columns.
Together, these elements create a pavilion that feels open, breathable, and deeply connected to its natural setting.
Brick was selected as the primary material not only for its structural qualities but also for its cultural significance.
The choice establishes a relationship with the historic brick façade of the Serpentine South Gallery, which was originally built as a tea pavilion.
Through a carefully composed sequence of solid and permeable brick elements, LANZA atelier transforms the traditional wall into an architectural device that encourages visibility, interaction, and connection.
Rather than acting as a boundary, the wall becomes a framework for gathering and exchange.
The architects also designed a collection of chairs and stools specifically for the pavilion.
Crafted locally from sapele hardwood, the furniture extends the studio’s belief that architecture and furniture belong to the same design continuum, differing only in scale.
The pieces reinforce the project’s emphasis on material honesty, craftsmanship, and collective use.
Throughout the summer, the pavilion will host Serpentine’s celebrated programme of talks, performances, screenings, workshops, and interdisciplinary events.
As in previous years, the structure will become a vibrant civic platform where architecture, art, and public life intersect.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it coincides with the Pavilion’s 25th anniversary and includes a special collaboration with the Zaha Hadid Foundation, honouring the legacy of the late architect who designed the inaugural Serpentine Pavilion in 2000.
With a serpentine, LANZA atelier presents an architecture of openness and encounter.
Through the simple yet powerful language of brick, curves, light, and movement, the pavilion demonstrates how contemporary architecture can foster community, dialogue, and shared experiences in the heart of the city.
About the Architects
LANZA atelier is a Mexico City-based architecture studio founded in 2015 by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo.
The practice is known for its thoughtful reinterpretation of everyday materials, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary spatial thinking.
Working across architecture, public infrastructure, exhibitions, and furniture design, the studio explores how buildings can create meaningful social interactions and lasting cultural value.
Their work has been exhibited internationally and has received recognition from institutions including the Architectural League of New York, SFMOMA, and the Mies Crown Hall Award for Emerging Architects.
Project: Serpentine Pavilion 2026 – a serpentine
Designer: LANZA atelier
Founders / Architects: Isabel Abascal & Alessandro Arienzo
Manufacturer: Stage One Creative Services
Technical Advisor: AECOM
