Pavilion, London

Freely open to the public and constructed of metal cantilevers and lightweight materials such as polycarbonate and fabric, the pavilion manifests as a unique arrangement of overlapping interior and exterior spaces, all saturated with that vibrant, perhaps migraine inducing, red. Inside visitors will be able to relax in the shade, while the vicinity outside allows for engaging in various leisure activities – table tennis, chess and kite flying, for instance, will be available on site. A café and auditorium complete the ensemble, its dynamic and contrasting qualities no doubt offering a bit of welcome distraction through the summer months, until its dismantling in mid-October. (Dutton R. Hauhart)

In 2010 the Serpentine Gallery celebrates its 40th anniversary. This year the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is designed by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. This is the tenth commission in the Gallery's annual architectural series, the world's first and most ambitious programme of its kind. It will be the architect’s first completed building in the UK.

The Pavilion commission has become an international site for architectural experimentation and follows a long tradition of Pavilions by some of the world's greatest architects. The immediacy of the commission – a maximum of six months from invitation to completion – provides a unique model worldwide.

The design for the 2010 Pavilion is a contrast of lightweight materials and dramatic metal cantilevered structures. The entire design is rendered in a vivid red that, in a play of opposites, contrasts with the green of its park setting. The colour reflects the iconic British images of traditional telephone boxes, post boxes and London buses. The building consists of bold geometric forms, large retractable awnings and a freestanding wall that climbs twelve metres above the lawn, sloping at a gravity-defying angle. Striking glass, polycarbonate and fabric structures create a versatile system of interior and exterior spaces.

Around the Pavilion, Nouvel has created spaces for outdoor enjoyment and play, bringing the tradition of French civic parks to London. Red table tennis tables, draughts, chess, Frisbees and kites will be available for the public to play with throughout the summer months.

The flexible auditorium will accommodate the Serpentine Gallery café and the Gallery's Park Nights programme, which culminates in the 5th Serpentine Gallery Marathon: The Marathon of Maps for the 21st Century on 16 and 17 October. Maps have a powerful hold on our imaginations, defining our understanding of geography, scale, space and ideas. Artists, writers, thinkers and scientists will present maps encompassing their experience of the world today.

Julia Peyton-Jones, Director, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Co-Director, Serpentine Gallery, said: 'We could not be more thrilled that Jean Nouvel has designed the 10th Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, the only commission of its kind worldwide that annually invites pre-eminent architects to complete their first built structure in England. It is an honour to bring Nouvel's globally acclaimed work to London for everyone to enjoy.'

There is no budget for the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion commission. It is paid for by sponsorship, sponsorship help-in-kind and the sale of the finished structure, which does not cover more than 40% of its cost. The Serpentine Gallery collaborates with a range of companies and individuals whose support makes it possible to realise the Pavilion. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary we are delighted the Pavilion is being supported by Arts Council England, through its Sustain programme.

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London said: 'Our Sustain fund was established to help support artistic excellence in the context of the economic downturn, and the Serpentine Pavilion is a landmark example – uniquely special to and beloved by London, and a key 'moment' on the international visual arts and architectural calendars. I am delighted that this grant, alongside our core funding to the Gallery, will help ensure a stunning Pavilion for 2010 that will inspire, intrigue and entertain everyone who explores it.'