Seoul-based Korean architect Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies has been selected to design the 23rd Serpentine Pavilion. He is the first Korean architect to be selected, and this marks Minsuk Cho’s first project in the UK.
The pavilion is titled Archipelagic Void, featuring a structure composed of five star-shaped islands around a central circular space. The central void serves as a courtyard(in Korean ‘madang’), reminiscent of traditional Korean houses, while the five branching spaces with different functions come together to accommodate various activities.
The ‘Gallery’ in the main entrance area, the ‘Auditorium’ for gatherings, a small ‘Library’ for brief rests, the ‘Tea House’ recreating the old space of Serpentine South, and the open space of the ‘Play Tower’ with a net-like structure all contribute to the functionality of the pavilion. They are flexibly utilized within the park where the pavilion is situated, accommodating rich spatial narratives. It is the assembly of modules performing specific functions that constitutes a continuous unit.
Minsuk Cho stated, “The process began by questioning what could be discovered and added to the Serpentine Pavilion project, which has already explored over 20 iterations in this space over time.” He added, “It was a project dealing with the history of the Serpentine Pavilion, and by clearing the central part, it opened up new possibilities, moving away from the built center of the past.”
After a pre-opening on June 5th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Serpentine Pavilion will be open to the public from June 7th to October 27th. The event, inaugurated in 2000 with Zaha Hadid, has been taking place annually in the summer. In 2022, Theaster Gates from Chicago unveiled ‘Black Chapel,’ and in 2023, French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh designed ‘À Table’, attracting many visitors.
Architect Minsuk Cho graduated from the Architectural Engineering Department of Yonsei University and the Graduate School of Architecture at Columbia University. After gaining experiences in international architectural firms, including OMA in Rotterdam, he returned to Korea in 2003 and founded Mass Studies. In 2014, he served as the commissioner and co-curator of the Korean Pavilion at the 14th Venice Biennale, winning the Golden Lion. His notable works include Pixel House, Boutique Monaco, 2010 Shanghai Expo Korean Pavilion, Daejeon University Dormitory, Space K Seoul, and Danginri Cultural Space. Recently, he has been involved in the restoration and expansion of the French Embassy in Korea and the renewal of the OSulloc Tea Museum.
