Zaha Hadid & Lina Ghotmeh’s Legacy at London’s Serpentine Pavilion

Every year, amidst the rolling greenery of London’s royal Kensington Gardens, a remarkable architectural pavilion emerges, designed exclusively for the Serpentine Gallery. This tradition began in 2000 when Dame Zaha Hadid was commissioned to create a one-day installation celebrating the gallery’s 30th anniversary. Contrary to the original plan, the pavilion remained standing for two months, captivating visitors and setting a new precedent. Since then, the Serpentine Gallery has annually invited world-renowned architects to design a unique pavilion, transforming the gardens into a canvas for innovative architectural expression.

This tradition, first pioneered by the trailblazing Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, has since welcomed many global luminaries in the field of architecture. Among these distinguished names, only one other Middle Eastern woman has taken her place in this legacy: the French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh. Together, their works tell the story of the only two Serpentine Pavilions ever designed by women architects from the Middle East.

Zaha Hadid’s inaugural pavilion departed from her signature sweeping curves, instead embracing a strikingly minimalist aesthetic. Reminiscent of plaited white paper, the structure features wide, folded triangular surfaces - a technical structure known as a "folded structure." Its dynamic roof rested elegantly on slender round steel pillars positioned along the perimeter, creating an interior that is both visually and functionally open, unobstructed by structural elements.

Spanning over 600 square metres, the pavilion’s structure reimagined the conventional tent or marquee. Each triangulated section, formed by three steel members and a stretched fabric membrane, conveyed an illusion of solidity. Within this space, Zaha Hadid's furniture seamlessly echoed the pavilion's form and tone. The furniture, transitioning from white to black, added a subtle gradient effect, creating a nuanced visual journey that complemented the pavilion’s dynamic aesthetic.

Fast forward 23 years, Ghotmeh designed the 22nd pavilion, aptly titled À Table, a French invitation to gather, converse and share meals. The pavilion's circular design embodies openness, with 27 offset tables arranged within the structure, providing seating for 57 stools. The concept fosters connection and dialogue, aligning with its inclusive theme.

Rooted in simplicity, the pavilion’s structure is primarily wood, with its roof taking inspiration from a tree leaf. When illuminated by sunlight, the roof mimics the interplay of a leaf’s veins, showcasing a hierarchy of primary and secondary beams. These wooden ribs converge upward toward a central circular opening, uniting the beams structurally, while symbolising a bridge between nature and the vast expanse of the sky above. This minimalist yet profound design underscores Ghotmeh's ability to blend nature, function and meaning seamlessly.

The pavilion combined structural ingenuity with aesthetic appeal, deeply etched in its lush, leafy surroundings. It created an intimate atmosphere that tied together nature and history, evoking the spirit of ancient symposia - where important decisions were made, poetry was recited, and philosophical debates took place around a shared table.

While Ghotmeh’s pavilion offers a distinct more grounded experience compared to Hadid’s, there’s a subtle resemblance in the design. Both featured folds in the roof and open interior spaces, inviting visitors to walk freely through and drink in the design, fully absorbing its essence. This openness, born of structural creativity, remains a signature feature in both pavilions.

The Serpentine Gallery has been a vanguard of contemporary art since its inception in 1970.

Evolving into a cultural cornerstone, it is now renowned for its daring and thought-provoking exhibitions by some of the world’s most iconic artists. Twenty-four years ago, it further cemented its legacy by becoming an axis point for architectural expression, where globally celebrated architects - such as Daniel Libeskind, Oscar Niemeyer and Jean Nouvel - crafted what could be seen as distilled reflections of their grand visions.

Photography Credit: Serpentine