Japanese architect SANAA says its aluminium and acrylic structure resembles a cloud or floating pool of water

The 2009 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion was unveiled today under grey skies in Hyde Park.

The structure is the first project in the UK by Ryue Nishizawa and Kazuyo Sejima of Japanese practice SANAA.

The reflective aluminium and transparent acrylic structure was designed to "amplify the beauty" of the surrounding park, according to Nishizawa.

For Sejima the pavilion is an "undefined space, a more temporary thing" that resembles a cloud or a floating pool of water.

The pavilion is open to the public from 12 July to 18 October.


Serpentine Gallery Pavilion by SANAA's Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa


Serpentine Gallery Pavilion by SANAA's Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa