Serpentine is thrilled to announce that Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), have been selected to design the 2025 Pavilion, titled “A Capsule in Time.” This marks a significant milestone for both Tabassum and the prestigious annual commission, which has showcased the work of leading international architects since 2000.
Tabassum’s design, inspired by the ephemeral nature of Shamiyana tents common in South Asia, comprises four wooden capsule forms with a translucent façade that filters light. These interconnected capsules create a central court that aligns with Serpentine South’s bell tower, inviting visitors to gather and connect.
“We are thrilled to be selected as the architect of this year’s Serpentine Pavilion,” says Marina Tabassum. “The relationship between time and architecture is intriguing, and our design reflects on the transient nature of the commission, a capsule of memory and time.”
Emphasizing the sensory and spiritual possibilities of architecture, “A Capsule in Time” will be a dynamic space, with one of the capsule forms capable of movement, transforming the Pavilion into ever-evolving configurations. This kinetic element, reminiscent of Rem Koolhaas’s 2006 Pavilion, adds another layer of intrigue to the design.
“A Capsule in Time will honor connections with the Earth and celebrate the spirit of community,” says Bettina Korek, Chief Executive, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of Serpentine. “We are grateful to all of our loyal supporters who make this groundbreaking commission possible and look forward to announcing a full program of live events and public programs that will bring people together around Tabassum’s visionary, spiritual, and social structure.”
The 2025 Pavilion will serve as a platform for Serpentine‘s diverse program of events, including Park Nights, offering a vibrant summer of cultural experiences. This year, Serpentine will also host a series of events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this historic commission, reflecting on its legacy and the future of architectural experimentation.
“A Capsule in Time” will undoubtedly be a highlight of the London summer, showcasing the innovative and socially conscious work of Marina Tabassum and continuing the Serpentine Pavilion’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of architectural design.