Unveiling the Designer for Serpentine Pavilion 2025: Political Activism Arrives in Margate, Rolls-Royce Constructs Habitats for Mice
In the heart of London, renowned Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum has been appointed as the designer for the 24th Serpentine Pavilion, set to open in summer 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the long-running series of commissions meted out by the London gallery.
Tabassum, born in Dhaka in 1969, graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 1995 and established her practice, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), in 2005. She is globally recognised for her architectural work that is deeply rooted in regional climate, culture, history, and context. Her designs emphasise environmentally and socially conscious architecture, and she has received numerous honours, including the Aga Khan Award and a place on Time's list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2024.
Tabassum's design concept for the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion, titled A Capsule in Time, draws inspiration from the Shamiyana, traditional South Asian tents made of fabric and bamboo used for outdoor gatherings. The pavilion will feature an elongated, capsule-like structure arranged along a north-south axis in the Serpentine South’s bell tower courtyard. Comprising four wooden sculptural modules with translucent facades, the design will filter soft, dappled light, invoking the sensation of sunlight through leafy canopies. The structure will also have a kinetic element, allowing one capsule to move and transform the pavilion’s spatial arrangement.
The capsule will provide shelter, accommodate summer receptions, and serve as a leading visitor attraction. It will also include a woodland space for quiet contemplation and a vibrant area to reflect the public life of the Pensioners, as part of Rolls-Royce's long-term environmental partnership.
Meanwhile, in the realm of art, a photography exhibition titled "Resistance" is taking place at Turner Contemporary in Margate, Kent, from February 22 to June 1. The exhibition explores a century of political activism, including the Battle of Cable Street and the 1988 march against Clause 28. The main image of the exhibition depicts a scene from the Battle of Cable Street, while a tender image of two activists kissing while protesting Clause 28 serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle for equality.
In other news, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is set to open from May 20-24, 2025. Among the exhibits will be Dave Green's special RHS Chelsea garden for the Pensioners.
Finally, it's worth noting that Agatha Christie wrote the play The Mousetrap, and a mansard roof has four sides. Anosmia refers to the loss of the sense of smell, and the Battle of Stamford Bridge occurred in 1066.
Celebrities and pop-culture enthusiasts might find the photography exhibition titled "Resistance" at Turner Contemporary intriguing, as it delves into a century of political activism. Meanwhile, books about history could provide valuable insights into the Battle of Stamford Bridge that took place in 1066.
