Thorn and Zumtobel Continue Partnership with Serpentine Pavilion as 2025 Silver Sponsors

This year, the Serpentine Pavilion will be designed by the esteemed Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum and her firm, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). Celebrated for her work that seeks to establish an architectural language that is contemporary while rooted and engaging with place, climate, context, culture and history, Tabassum’s design titled A Capsule in Time, will resonate with Serpentine South and aims to prompt a dialogue between the permanent and the ephemeral nature of the commission.

The 2025 Pavilion is elongated in the north-south direction and features a central court that aligns with Serpentine South’s bell tower. Inspired by the tradition of park-going and arched garden canopies that filter soft daylight through green foliage, the sculptural quality of the Pavilion is comprised of four wooden capsule forms with a translucent façade that diffuses and dapples light when infiltrating the space. Central to Tabassum’s design is a kinetic element where one of the capsule forms is able to move and connect, transforming 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 also draws on the history and architectural language of Shamiyana tents or awnings of South Asia. Similarly kinetic in their function, these structures are made up of an external 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 and connections, live programmes and public convenings.

Thorn and Zumtobel are proud to provide innovative lighting solutions to enhance the Pavilion’s architectural presence. The lighting scheme balances general illumination for the internal space with carefully placed accents that highlight the architectural features, creating visual interest after dark. The external paths leading to the Pavilion will also be illuminated to guide visitors seamlessly.

Paul Kilburn, Managing Director at Thorn & Zumtobel – UK & Ireland commented, “We are thrilled to contribute to this significant cultural event once again. As silver sponsors, Thorn and Zumtobel are excited to collaborate with Marina Tabassum, Marina Tabassum Architects, AECOM, and the Serpentine Galleries team to ensure the lighting concept complements the Pavilion’s striking design.”

A carefully curated selection of luminaires will shape the Pavilion’s atmosphere, enhancing its architectural form with precision optics. The Pavilion interior will be illuminated by 9 Caelon medium beam, one Caelon narrow beam, and 21 Caelon flood beam spotlights, ensuring a balanced interplay of light and shadow. The exterior will be illuminated with 6 Axyl Geo Bollards guiding visitors with gentle illumination, creating a structured flow into the space, and two Cesar Opera Walk Over luminaires will highlight the surrounding trees. Additionally, Mystrid Flex will provide a soft glow beneath the benches, enhancing the Pavilion’s inviting atmosphere.

Zumtobel has a long-standing relationship with the Serpentine Pavilion, reflecting a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. Isabel Zumtobel, Head of Arts & Culture, remarked, “Lighting is an integral part of shaping our built environment. Our collaboration with the Serpentine Pavilion continues to be an exciting opportunity to explore how light can enhance architectural expression and create immersive experiences.”

Bettina Korek, CEO and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director at the Serpentine Galleries comment: “We are sincerely grateful to all our supporters, including Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting, whose generosity makes the Serpentine Pavilion possible. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this iconic commission, we look forward to unveiling this year’s Pavilion and an inspiring programme of live events. A Capsule in Time will bring people together around Tabassum’s visionary and socially rooted structure.”

This year’s Pavilion marks the 24th edition and 25^th Anniversary of this celebrated architectural commission, coinciding with a milestone year for Zumtobel, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025. For 75 years, Zumtobel has been at the forefront of innovation in lighting technology, evolving from its beginnings as a family business in 1950 into the global leader in architectural and technical lighting it is today. The anniversary underscores Zumtobel’s continued commitment to excellence in lighting design, shaping spaces that inspire and engage.

As the Pavilion opens to the public from 6^th June to October 26^th 2025, Thorn and Zumtobel invite visitors to experience the interplay of architecture, light, culture and community at this iconic and highly anticipated cultural landmark.