One of the Serpentine Pavilions for 2025, called 'A Capsule in Time,' is a temporary structure designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and her team . This yearly commission celebrates its 25th anniversary with a design that is simple, open, and thoughtful.

A Focus on Change and Community

Tabassum is famous for her designs that are right for their place, climate, and culture. Her pavilion design is about things that don't last forever, it focuses on change and movement. The idea comes from the Bengal Delta in Bangladesh, where people often have to move their homes because rivers change course. This sense of things being temporary inspired her.

Easy to Move: The pavilion is built in modular parts. It can be taken apart easily and put back together somewhere else later, perhaps as a library. This smart idea means the building has a long life, even though it's only in London for a few months.

*The bottom space under the seating is meant to store items*

The Look and Feel

The pavilion is long and curved, made of four separate sections. It is built with wood frames (glulam timber) and covered with see-through panels.

Soft Light: The design is like the Shamiyanas (ceremonial tents) used in South Asia. The see-through walls let the sun shine in softly, making a beautiful, dappled light inside.

Flexible Space: One part of the pavilion can actually move to join another section, making one larger covered space. This clever feature helps the Serpentine host events, talks, and gatherings for the community. It's a place for people to meet and share ideas.

The Center Tree: In the middle of the pavilion is an open area with a Ginkgo tree. This strong, old tree is the heart of the design. It will grow and change color over the summer, showing the passing of time. When the pavilion closes, the tree will be planted somewhere else in the park.

'A Capsule in Time' is not a fancy show; it's a calm space that invites people to think, talk, and connect with nature and each other.