The Serpentine Pavilion has always been a stage for architectural theatrics, a summer spectacle where designers flex their creative muscles. But this year’s installment by Lanza Atelier feels like a quiet rebellion—a deliberate step back from the spectacle. Instead of dazzling with futurism or shock value, they’ve chosen to celebrate the humble brick, a material so ordinary it’s almost radical in this context. What makes this particularly fascinating is how they’ve transformed the mundane into something mesmerizing. Their ‘crinkle-crankle’ wall, with its undulating curves, isn’t just a nod to historical craftsmanship; it’s a statement about the power of simplicity in an age of excess.
The Brick as a Hero: A Material Reimagined
Bricks, as Alessandro Arienzo points out, are nothing special on their own. But in Lanza’s hands, they become a canvas for innovation. The decision to use them without mortar, threading them like beads on reinforcing bars, is both practical and poetic. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—it speaks to a deeper respect for sustainability, a recognition that even temporary structures should minimize waste. What many people don’t realize is that this approach also challenges our assumptions about permanence. Bricks are often associated with solidity and endurance, but here they’re used to create something ephemeral, a reminder that even the most enduring materials can be reimagined.
Walls That Unite, Not Divide
In a world where walls have become symbols of division—think Trump’s border wall—Lanza’s pavilion offers a counter-narrative. Isabel Abascal’s description of their wall as a ‘gathering place’ feels almost revolutionary. If you take a step back and think about it, walls are inherently ambiguous structures. They can protect, exclude, or define, depending on their intent. Lanza’s crinkle-crankle wall, with its serpentine shape, seems to invite movement and interaction rather than imposing barriers. This raises a deeper question: Can architecture heal the fractures caused by political symbolism? Personally, I think this pavilion is a small but powerful answer to that question.
Gentle Geometry and the Dance of Light
The concept of ‘gentle geometry’ is what sets this pavilion apart. Unlike the sharp angles and dramatic forms of previous years, Lanza’s design feels organic, almost alive. The way the wall catches the sun, its rust-colored bricks warming under the light, creates a sense of intimacy. The addition of glittering lights along the top is a stroke of genius—it transforms the structure into something magical after dark. What this really suggests is that architecture doesn’t always need to shout to be noticed. Sometimes, it’s the quiet details that leave the most lasting impression.
A Global Dialogue in Brick and Mortar
One thing that immediately stands out is the wall’s historical and cultural resonance. The crinkle-crankle design, rooted in rural Suffolk but also found in Mexico and ancient Egypt, is a testament to the universality of human ingenuity. Lanza’s pavilion becomes a bridge between these disparate contexts, a reminder that architecture is a global language. From my perspective, this is where the Serpentine Pavilion shines brightest—it’s not just about showcasing individual talent but about fostering a dialogue across time and space.
The Future of Temporary Architecture
As the Serpentine Pavilion enters its midlife phase, there’s a noticeable shift toward diversity and sustainability. Lanza’s use of locally manufactured bricks and their focus on easy disassembly feel like a response to the environmental concerns of our time. What many people don’t realize is that temporary structures often have a significant ecological footprint. By prioritizing recyclability and minimal waste, Lanza is setting a new standard. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the beginning of a trend—a move toward more responsible, thoughtful temporary architecture.
Conclusion: The Beauty of the Unassuming
Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote about bricks feeling ‘worth their weight in gold’ comes to mind when I think about this pavilion. Lanza Atelier has taken something ordinary and made it extraordinary, not through grandiosity but through careful consideration and craftsmanship. In a world obsessed with the new and the shiny, their work is a reminder of the value of simplicity and humility. Personally, I think this pavilion will be remembered not just for its beauty but for the questions it raises about what architecture can—and should—be. It’s a masterclass in how to make a statement without saying a word.
