The Serpentine Pavilion 2026, designed by the architecture firm LANZA atelier, is inspired by the English architectural element known as a "serpentine wall" or "wavy wall," a type of brick wall composed of alternating curves, which forms one side of the pavilion. This element also subtly evokes the nearby Serpentine lake, so named for its gentle curvature, which resembles the shape of a snake. The pavilion's configuration allows light and air to circulate throughout the space, maintaining a subtle relationship between enclosed and open areas.
In dialogue with the surroundings, a second wall harmonizes with the tree canopy, while the main structure is located on the north side of the site. To celebrate the tradition of the English garden and establish a dialogue with the existing brick façade of the Serpentine's South Gallery, brick was chosen as the primary material.
"A serpentine" features a translucent roof that rests lightly on brick columns, and from a rhythmic repetition of columns of this material, the wall transforms from opaque to permeable, turning the pavilion into a metaphorical bridge between the geographies of Europe and America.
“It is an honour to be selected as the architects of the 25th Serpentine Pavilion, a milestone year for the commission. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share our work with a wider public and to contribute to the Pavilion’s ongoing legacy of spatial experimentation and collective encounter. Set within a garden, an evocation of the natural world, the project takes the form of a serpentine wall, conceived as a device that both reveals and withholds: shaping movement, modulating rhythm, and framing thresholds of proximity, orientation, and pause.
Inspired by the figure of the serpent as a generative and protective force, we draw a parallel with England’s winding fruit walls, which are structures that temper climate, create shelter, and enable growth. From this idea emerges a pavilion built of simple clay brick, foregrounding vernacular craft and the elemental capacity of architecture to bring people together. The 2026 Pavilion proposes built forms that are permeable, shaped and held by a gentle geometry, and continually responsive to those who move through it.”
LANZA atelier.
“For 25 years, the Serpentine Pavilion has been a leading global platform for architectural experimentation - first inviting internationally significant architects yet to build in London, and later championing emerging voices. It offers a rare brief: to test ambitious ideas in an open, accessible setting. Conceived as a structure that extends beyond its walls, the Pavilion connects architecture, landscape, and people. With LANZA atelier, we strengthen cultural exchange with Mexico and reaffirm the Pavilion as a free, civic space of connection, central to our summer and autumn programmes. We are deeply grateful to our partners and supporters for making the Pavilion possible.”
Bettina Korek, Chief Executive, Serpentine.
“Over the last 10 years, the Serpentine Pavilion has increasingly focused on giving opportunities to younger architectural practices. We are excited to announce that Mexican architects LANZA atelier will design the 2026 Serpentine Pavilion. LANZA atelier’s architecture always involves a deep engagement with the local context, materials and lived experience. In their own words, they create contemporary spaces whose energy can last. Their spaces invite people to imagine a more connected, compassionate and creative future. As always, the Pavilion will be a content machine with lectures, film screenings and performances. We will also remember Zaha Hadid (1950-2016), who gave us our motto that "there should be no end to experimentation".
As we mark the 25th Pavilion, we reflect on these origins. Since its inception in 2000, the Pavilion has acted as a catalyst for architects at pivotal moments in their careers. LANZA atelier’s Pavilion will mark the second time Mexican architects are appointed since Frida Escobedo in 2018. We are grateful to LANZA atelier for embracing this invitation, and we extend our sincere thanks to Sou Fujimoto for his generous guidance.”
Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine.
