Pavilion opens at Serpentine

Jean Nouvel has become the latest architect to design the pavilion for the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens (pictured).

It opened on July 10th and marks the tenth commission of the project.

The structure also marks the French architect's first completed building in the UK.

Using bold geometric forms, retractable awnings and a freestanding wall, the red structure is made to contrast with the green of its park setting and reflects the iconic British images of telephone boxes, post boxes and London buses.

Nouvel has created spaces for outdoor play and it will also house the gallery cafe as well as its Park Nights programme.

Open until October 17th, the structure is funded through sponsorship, including Arts Council England, and through the sale of the finished work.

Moira Sinclair, executive director of the council in London, said: 'Our Sustain fund was established to help support artistic excellence in the context of the economic downturn, and the Serpentine Pavilion is a landmark example – uniquely special to and beloved by London, and a key 'moment' on the international visual arts and architectural calendars.'