Diébédo Francis Kéré from Burkina Faso is the architect commissioned to design this year's Serpentine Pavilion. 

It is common in Gando, his hometown, for people to gather around a tree to share food, games or just meet. Inspired by this tradition, Kéré has designed a pavilion that replicates the feeling of a meeting point in the middle of Kensington Gardens. 

A member of the design team who previously visited Burkina Faso remembers being told about this tradition. In the orphanage she visited she experienced this feeling of unity first hand. Each day and night they would all gather around an open aired building in the centre of the grounds to eat, work, sing and play games. 

Serpentine Pavilion 2017 by Diébédo Francis Kéré 

Orphange, Burkina Faso 

The open roof supported by a central framework mimics a tree's canopy and creates a fresh and airy shelter against the rain and heat. 

At night, the space is illuminated by linear LED installed in between the timber slats in the roof which give the feeling of moonlight going through the leaves. 

Kéré's Pavilion really connects people with nature and with each other. It is definitely worth a visit!