Serpentine Pavilion in London by Counterspace

For the 20th time, the Serpentine Pavilion has been built in London and has been open to visitors* since June 11. The Johannesburg-based multidisciplinary office Counterspace was commissioned to design it. Founder Sumayya Vally, at 30, is the youngest architect ever to design one of the temporary pavilions.

The concept is informed by her life in South Africa as well as her eclectic approach to design. The pavilion is a place to connect the past and present, but it is also where different urban areas and communities are meant to meet. "My work and this pavilion focus on empowering and collaborating with numerous and diverse voices from many different cultures - with an interest in themes of identity, community, belonging, and encounter. The past year has brought these themes into sharp focus and given me the space to reflect on the indescribable generosity of the communities that have been integral to this pavilion," Vally says of the project. Her design references districts throughout London. References range from restaurants to bookstores to mosques.

So it makes sense that this year the pavilion will serve more than just the Kensington Gardens location. Four fragments of the design have been placed elsewhere in London: At New Beacon Books in Finsbury Park, one of the country's first black bookstores; at The Tabernacle, an event venue plus community center in Notting Hill; at The Albany arts center in Deptford; and at Valence Library in the Becontree Forever Arts and Culture Hub, located on the border of the Barking and Dagenham boroughs.

The Serpentine Pavilion was built from recycled steel, cork and wood and covered with micro-cement. The different textures, pinks and browns are directly derived from London's architecture. They appear differently depending on the lighting situation. The pavilion can be easily assembled, disassembled and reused - overall the structure has a CO2 neutral value.