Seoul-based Korean architect Minsuk Cho and his firm Mass Studies have been chosen to design the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion, set to open on June 5, 2024, in London’s Kensington Gardens. The pavilion, titled “Archipelagic Void,” will feature five ‘islands’ around a central void, creating smaller elements integrated with the park’s natural ecology. The pavilion will be open to the public from June 7 to October 27, 2024, with a press preview two days before the opening.
The pavilion is organized around a central void, inspired by the small courtyards found in old Korean houses known as madangs. This central void acts as an anchor for the surrounding archipelago of structures. The islands, described as “content machines,” serve various purposes, including the “Gallery” for entry, the “Auditorium” as a meeting space, the “Library” for reflection, the “Tea House” drawing inspiration from historical galleries, and the “Play Tower” encouraging dynamic interactions.
These structures’ spaces create distinct spatial identities, serving as thresholds between the park and pavilion activities. The adaptable spaces are designed to welcome people and offer flexibility for live programs, including music, poetry, spoken words, and dance, aligning with Serpentine’s Technology and Ecology activations.
Minsuk Cho, the architect from Mass Studies, explained their approach: “To approach this new chapter differently, instead of viewing it as a carte blanche, we embraced the challenge of considering the many existing peripheral elements while exploring the center as a void. It also begins to address the history of the Serpentine Pavilion. By inverting the center as a void, we shift our architectural focus away from the built center of the past, facilitating new possibilities and narratives.” Founded in 2003, Mass Studies, led by Minsuk Cho, explores context, mass production, urban conditions, and cultural niches to define the spatial conditions of the present. Minsuk Cho’s appointment aligns with the Serpentine Pavilion’s tradition of highlighting emerging names in the architecture practice, following the previous commission to Lina Ghotmeh. Past editions featured installations by notable architects like Theaster Gates, Francis Kéré, Junya Ishigami, and BIG.
