In an exciting announcement, the Mexican architecture studio Lanza Atelier has unveiled their design for the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion, following their selection to create the 2026 Pavilion. 

Set to make its debut at Serpentine South on June 6, 2026, the pavilion showcases an innovative design inspired by the serpentine or crinkle-crankle wall—a unique architectural feature that has ancient origins in Egypt and was popularized in England by Dutch engineers.

The serpentine wall's flowing form not only captivates the eye but also enhances structural stability through lateral support. Impressively, this wall, measuring just a single brick in width, utilizes fewer materials than a traditional straight wall, marking a thoughtful approach to sustainability. Its gentle curves pay homage to the nearby Serpentine lake, echoing its fluid shapes and evoking the essence of a serpent.

Designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, the pavilion features a secondary wall that works in concert with the tree canopy, ensuring minimal disruption. 

The main structure is strategically situated on the northern side of the site, with a translucent roof gracefully resting on brick columns that evoke the image of a grove of trees. This design enables a seamless flow of light and air, blurring the lines between enclosed spaces and the open surroundings.

In choosing brick as the primary material, Lanza Atelier honors the rich tradition of English garden architecture while engaging in a dialogue with the existing brick facade of the Serpentine South Gallery, which has its own history as a former tea pavilion. 

The rhythmic arrangement of brick columns transforms the wall from solid to porous, creating a symbolic connection between the cultural landscapes of Europe and the Americas. 

This pavilion promises to be a stunning addition to the architectural tapestry of the Serpentine, celebrating innovation, tradition, and environmental consciousness.

"We draw a parallel with England’s winding fruit walls"

"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," said Lanza Atelier. 

"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," Atelier added.

"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," said Bettina Korek, Chief Executive, Serpentine. 

"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," Korek added.

"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," said Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine.

"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," Obrist added.

Serpentine Pavilion 2026, a serpentine, designed by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, Lanza Atelier. Conceptual sketch, worm's eye view. © Lanza Atelier, courtesy of Serpentine.

The Serpentine Pavilion 2026 will serve as a venue for Serpentine's live and events program, offering experiences in music, film, theatre, dance, literature, philosophy, fashion, and technology during the summer and into October. In response to the Pavilion's distinctive architecture, each year's commission invites viewers to explore the energized area.

The 2025 Serpentine Pavilion was designed by Bangladeshi architect and educator Marina Tabassum in London's Kensington Gardens. In 2024, the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion was designed by Seoul-based Korean architect Minsuk Cho.

All images in the article: Serpentine Pavilion 2026, a serpentine, designed by Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo, Lanza Atelier. Design render, aerial view. © Lanza Atelier, images are courtesy Serpentine unless otherwise stated.

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