Sir Peter Cook’s Play Pavilion, set to open in Kensington Gardens on June 11th, 2025, celebrates play through colorful and interactive architecture in collaboration with the LEGO Group and Serpentine. The pavilion invites engagement, aiming to create a lively atmosphere that promotes joy and community interactions.
Sir Peter Cook is collaborating with Serpentine and the LEGO Group to create the Play Pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens, revealing it on World Play Day, June 11th, 2025. This colorful and immersive structure serves as a celebration of play, showcasing architecture’s lesser-recognised function: joy. With vibrant designs and theatrical elements, the pavilion encourages visitors to engage with its playful nature and eccentricity.
The Play Pavilion will feature dynamic shapes and interactive areas. As Sir Peter Cook described it, “The Play Pavilion is a piece of theatre… intriguing shapes rise from within the structure.” The design aims to provide a living cartoon experience, where moments of laughter and activity peek through its scooped walls, inviting engagement from visitors.
By partnering with Cook and LEGO, Serpentine aims to expand beyond traditional gallery confines into a more lively park environment. Bettina Korek and Hans Ulrich Obrist from Serpentine expressed their excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with the LEGO Group… to realise the vision for play we all share with Peter Cook.” This collaboration makes architecture accessible in public spaces, promoting realistic interactions.
LEGO bricks will feature prominently in the pavilion’s design, showcasing the role of play in fostering connection and exploration. Julia Goldin from LEGO highlighted that “Play is not just a source of joy; it fosters connection and encourages exploration,” transforming the pavilion into an interactive space for imagination.
The Play Pavilion resonates with Cook’s legacy from the Radical Design movement, drawing from his history with Archigram. It reflects his visionary approach while remaining accessible to a broader audience. The pavilion represents a democratic tribute to playfulness, inviting summer activations and public programs that cultivate community interactions and experiences.
As visitors explore the pavilion, they are invited to partake in its performance-oriented design. Sir Peter Cook encapsulated its essence well: “Play transcends survival, achievement, and common sense.” In a society that often prioritises efficiency, this pavilion celebrates radical playfulness and the joy of wandering.
Project Information:
– Name: Play Pavilion
– Architect: Sir Peter Cook
– Program: Serpentine Galleries
– Collaborator: LEGO Group
– Exhibition Dates: June 11th — August 10th, 2025
– Visualizations: Courtesy Serpentine Galleries
The Play Pavilion by Sir Peter Cook represents a bold, interactive celebration of play, merging architectural creativity with communal experiences. Opening on June 11th, 2025, it aims to redefine how architecture can engage the public. By incorporating LEGO into its design, it emphasises the importance of joy, collaboration, and exploration, challenging traditional architectural concepts and encouraging playful interactions.
Original Source: www.designboom.com