Thorn and Zumtobel celebrate architectural innovation with Minsuk Cho at Serpentine Pavilion 2024

Serpentine Pavilion silver sponsors Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting were thrilled to host an exclusive and prestigious event at the Serpentine Pavilion on Thursday, 12th September 2024. This unique evening was a rare opportunity for industry professionals to celebrate the Pavilion’s 2024 design, created by the renowned Korean architect Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies. 

On Thursday, 12th September 2024, Thorn and Zumtobel hosted a special event at the Serpentine Pavilion, inviting a select group of architects, lighting designers, interior designers, consulting engineers, and end users to experience the space first-hand. The evening offered a unique opportunity to engage with the Pavilion’s architect, Minsuk Cho of Mass Studies, who shared his insights on the design and explored the role lighting played in the finished effect.

The evening’s agenda included speeches from key figures:

• Welcome by Paul Kilburn, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Thorn and Zumtobel Lighting, and Alfred Felder, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO at Zumtobel Group
• Lighting Designer: Arianna Foltran of Aecom
• Pavilion Curator: Alexa Chow
• Main Headline Speaker: Minsuk Cho, Architect of the 2024 Serpentine Pavilion

At the event, Paul Kilburn expressed, “We are honoured to have been involved in such an extraordinary project for the fifth time. Working alongside Minsuk Cho and Mass Studies, Aecom, and the Serpentine Pavilion team has been a true privilege, and we are proud to see our lighting solutions play a role in enhancing this year’s Pavilion.”

The event, attended by 300 guests, was a celebration of the successful synergy between architecture and lighting. The tailored lighting solutions provided by Thorn played a crucial role in enhancing the Pavilion’s design, creating a seamless balance between functionality and artistic expression.

As the sun set over Kensington Gardens, the Pavilion was transformed into a visually striking landmark. The innovative lighting solutions from Thorn, including Caelon, Mystrid Flex, and Axyl Greet Bollards, illuminated the Pavilion, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The lighting not only complemented the architectural forms but also guided visitors through the structure, highlighting key design features and creating a memorable visual experience.

In addition, Zumtobel Group’s charity partner, Cancer Research UK, were in attendance to support their ongoing efforts into cancer research, adding a charitable dimension to the evening.

Karin Zumtobel, Chairperson of the Board Zumtobel Group AG, commented, “The event was a brilliant convergence of architecture and light, and it was a privilege to collaborate with such visionary partners. Our lighting solutions have truly brought Minsuk Cho’s design to life, particularly as the Pavilion transforms after dusk.”

Thorn and Zumtobel are thrilled to continue their long-standing relationship with the Serpentine Pavilion and look forward to future collaborations that push the boundaries of architecture, design, and lighting.