Celebrated for her work in establishing an architectural language that is both contemporary and deeply connected to a specific place, climate, context, culture, and history, Marina Tabassum brings her distinctive vision to the Serpentine Pavilion 2025. Her design evokes a meaningful dialogue between the permanent and ephemeral nature of the commission.
Along the north-south axis of the park, A Capsule in Time features an elongated capsule-like form with a central court that aligns with Serpentine South’s bell tower. Inspired by summer park-going and arched garden canopies that filter soft daylight through green foliage, the structure is comprised of four wooden sculptural forms with a translucent façade that diffuses and dapples light when it enters the space. Integral to Tabassum’s design is a kinetic element where one of the capsule forms is able to move, connect and transform the Pavilion into a new space.
Emphasising the sensory and spiritual possibilities of architecture through scale and the interplay of light and shadow, Tabassum’s design draws on the history and architectural tradition of Shamiyana tents or awnings of South Asia. Similarly kinetic in their function, these structures are made of fabric supported by bamboo poles and are commonly erected for outdoor gatherings and celebrations. The openness of Tabassum’s Pavilion welcomes the possibilities of unifying visitors through conversations, connections, live programmes and public convenings.
(from the press release)
Serpentine Pavilion 2025 by Marina Tabassum
The Serpentine Pavilion 2025 selection was made by Bettina Korek, Chief Executive and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director; together with Julie Burnell, Director of Construction and Special Projects; Chris Bayley, Exhibitions Curator; Natalia Grabowska, Curator at Large, Architecture and Site-specific Projects; and Alexa Chow, Assistant Exhibitions Curator, together with advisors Sou Fujimoto and David Glover.
Marina Tabassum (b. 1969, Dhaka, Bangladesh) is an acclaimed architect and educator who has received numerous international recognitions for her contributions in the field of architecture. She graduated in 1995 from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Prior to founding Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) in 2005, Tabassum was a founding partner of the Dhaka-based firm URBANA between 1995 and 2005 with Kashef Chowdhury. In 1997, URBANA won the national competition to design the Independence Monument of Bangladesh and the Museum of Independence under the Public Works Department and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Tabassum’s practice remains consciously contained in size — prioritising climate, context, culture and history — undertaking a limited number of projects per year.
