The Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens
Between Earth and Sky
Between Earth and Sky
The Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens, London, designed by the architects Herzog & De Meuron and the Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei offers a very interesting, almost otherwordly view of the grounds in these English gardens. You dive into the Earth but still can breathe and see some parts of the sky, as well as the feet of fellow revellers walking around.
The lighting, soft and intimate provides visitors with a useful "sun" in this underground space. The come back to the light can be startling, however it reminds me of Plato's "Myth of the Cave", taking then on a philosophical meaning.
The space also has a peaceful and spiritual aura steming from the eastern culture, accompanied by a warmth generated by the cork material covering the floor, tables and seats. It becomes a mix of the East and the West, making everyone at home.
Outside, the mirror-like pond-roof brings freshness and again spirituality. It is as if you could look into it and discover the answer to the most urging philosophical questions. I am not sure we will be able to reach those answers but this is the impression it gave me. Animals like ducks use it as a home also.
In the end, I love the fact it brings everything together, from nature to human beings.
The lighting, soft and intimate provides visitors with a useful "sun" in this underground space. The come back to the light can be startling, however it reminds me of Plato's "Myth of the Cave", taking then on a philosophical meaning.
The space also has a peaceful and spiritual aura steming from the eastern culture, accompanied by a warmth generated by the cork material covering the floor, tables and seats. It becomes a mix of the East and the West, making everyone at home.
Outside, the mirror-like pond-roof brings freshness and again spirituality. It is as if you could look into it and discover the answer to the most urging philosophical questions. I am not sure we will be able to reach those answers but this is the impression it gave me. Animals like ducks use it as a home also.
In the end, I love the fact it brings everything together, from nature to human beings.
