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Dezeen Wire: plans by Zaha Hadid Architects to extend London’s Serpentine Gallery have been approved by Westminster Council.

An adjacent Grade II listed building will be renovated to contain the new Serpentine Sackler Gallery.

This will be connected to the existing main gallery by a new café and event space with a lightweight undulating roof.

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Here’s some more information from the Serpentine Gallery:

Serpentine Sackler Gallery receives planning permission
17 June 2011

Plans by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid for the renovation and development of The Magazine building in Kensington Gardens, to become the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, have been granted permission by Westminster Council it was announced today.

The Serpentine Sackler Gallery, situated a stone’s throw from the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens will bring a unique listed building into public use for the first time in its 206-year history, providing a new cultural destination and landmark for London. The Gallery is named after Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler, whose Foundation has made the project possible through the largest single gift received by the Serpentine Gallery in its 41-year history.

The restoration and extension will offer nearly 900 square meters of galleries and social space. The adjoining extension will be used as a café/restaurant, creating a permanent architectural landmark in the heart of London.

Westminster Council commended the designs in their report: “The proposals will enable an important listed building, in a highly sensitive landscape setting, to be refurbished and brought into public use, and will enhance Westminster’s role as a major cultural destination. It is an overwhelming opportunity to enhance the significance and re-establish a more formal landscape setting of this currently partly redundant and undervalued heritage asset and would provide a national public benefit.”

Julia Peyton-Jones, Director and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Co-Director of the Serpentine Gallery said: “We are delighted that Zaha Hadid’s visionary designs for the Serpentine Sackler Gallery will be realised here in the heart of London. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for the Gallery to create an exciting new platform for contemporary culture for the UK and beyond.”

Zaha Hadid, Director, Zaha Hadid Architects said: “I am absolutely delighted the plans have been granted permission. This is an important milestone for the project that allows the Serpentine Gallery to further develop its acclaimed cultural programmes. I would like to thank all those whose hard work has made this possible both at Westminster Council and the Serpentine Gallery.”

Responding to the Grade II listed building and the Grade I listed landscape, Zaha Hadid has designed a light and transparent extension for the Serpentine Sackler Gallery to be used as a café/restaurant and social space. This will complement the historic structure, which will be refurbished and completed with a new north wing that emphasises the oldest part of the building – the former powder store – as a central citadel. The modern extension will be added to the west, a contemporary lightweight partner to the original building’s classical weight.

Covered by a lightweight tensile membrane, the extension compliments rather than competes with the main building. The structure is defined by a single roof surface that playfully undulates, at times dipping down to touch the ground before rising up again. Roof lights punctuate the peaks of the surface, bringing natural light into the interior. The surrounding grounds, created by the landscape designers Gross Max, also take on an undulating form. Protected trees and hedges, as well as the historic ha-ha, will be retained.

The Serpentine Sackler Gallery will present the best in emerging international talent across all art forms, complementing the existing programme at the Serpentine Gallery. Commissioning new works, public engagement and cultural learning will be at the heart of its programmes, which will include an annual large-scale light installation inside the building and an outdoor Playscape for children and adults of all ages. Like the Serpentine Gallery, it will be free of charge and accessible to all.

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An exhibition of work by London architect Zaha Hadid has opened inside her Mobile Art Pavilion (see our earlier story), which has found its permanent home in Paris having toured New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong since 2008.

The pavilion will remain outside the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the inaugural exhibition in this location opened at the end of April.

The exhibition, called Une Architecture, includes architectural models, paintings and projections of work produced by Zaha Hadid Architects in recent years.

The exhibition continues until 30 October 2011.

More projects by Zaha Hadid Architects on Dezeen »

The following information is from the architects:

Zaha Hadid une architecture
April 29 – October 30

On 28 April, the exhibition designed by Zaha Hadid inaugurates The Mobile Art Pavilion, a new arts venue installed in front of the Institut du Monde Arabe.

Created by Iraqi born British architect Zaha Hadid for CHANEL in 2007 and commissioned by Karl Lagerfeld, the Mobile Art Pavilion’s opening exhibition showcases a selection of work by the 2004 Pritzker Prize laureate Zaha Hadid, designer of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed projects.

A genuine immersion into the architect’s formal and conceptual repertoire, this exhibition of Hadid’s work is presented within its own architecture.

Translating the intellectual and physical into the sensual and using a wide range of media, the Mobile Art Pavilion unfolds through spatial sequences which engage the visitor in unique and unexpected environments.

The Mobile Art Pavilion, donated by CHANEL to the Institut du monde arabe, will allow the institute to further develop its cultural programmes in the field of contemporary creation.

Mobile Art Pavillon: Historic

“Zaha Hadid” will be the first exhibition held inside the Mobile Art Pavilion since the installation of the pavilion in front of the Institut du monde arabe. CHANEL donated the pavilion to the Institut du monde arabe at the beginning of 2011.

It had previously travelled to Hong Kong, Tokyo and New York since 2007. It will now have a permanent location at the IMA, where it will be used to host exhibitions in line with the centre’s policy of showcasing talent from Arab countries.

Zaha Hadid: About Mobile Art

“I think through our architecture, we can give people a glimpse of another world, and enthuse them, make them excited about ideas. Our architecture is intuitive, radical, international and dynamic. We are concerned with constructing buildings that evoke original experiences, a kind of strangeness and newness that is comparable to the experience of going to a new country. The Mobile Art Pavilion follows these principles of inspiration.” states Zaha Hadid.

Arousing one’s curiosity is a constant theme in the work of Zaha Hadid. The Mobile Art Pavilion is a step in the evolution of Hadid’s architectural language that generates a sculptural sensuality with a coherent formal logic. This new architecture flourishes via the new digital modelling tools that augment the design process with techniques of continuous fluidity.

Zaha Hadid explains this process, “The complexity and technological advances in digital imaging software and construction techniques have made the architecture of the Mobile Art Pavilion possible. It is an architectural language of fluidity and nature, driven by new digital design and manufacturing processes which have enabled us to create the Pavilion’s totally organic forms – instead of the serial order of repetition that marks the architecture of the industrial 20th Century.

Design of Mobile Art

The Mobile Art Pavilion which has been conceived through a system of natural organisation, is also shaped by the functional considerations of the exhibition. However, these further determinations remain secondary and precariously dependent on the overriding formal language of the Pavilion. An enigmatic strangeness has evolved between the Pavilion’s organic system of logic and these functional adaptations – arousing the visitor’s curiosity even further.

In creating the Mobile Art Pavilion, Zaha Hadid has developed the fluid geometries of natural systems into a continuum of fluent and dynamic space – where oppositions between exterior and interior, light and dark, natural and artificial landscapes are synthesised. Lines of energy converge within the Pavilion, constantly redefining the quality of each exhibition space whilst guiding movement through the exhibition.

Content

The exhibition thematically explores a series of research agendas conducted by Zaha Hadid Architects in recent years. Different media is used to show the work; architectural models, silver paintings and projections. A variety of projects from all over the world will be shown, these will include: the Soho Central Business District in Beijing, the Spiralling Tower for the University Campus in Barcelona, the Guggenheim project in Singapore, the recently completed CGMCMA Tower in Marseille and the Pierres Vives building of the department de l’Herault in Montpellier, currently in construction.

The exhibition will also showcase architectural projects from the Arab world such as the Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre in the United Arab Emirates, the Nile Tower in Cairo Egypt, the Signature Towers in Dubai and the Rabat Tower in Morocco. Furthermore the exhibition showcases Zaha Hadid Architects’ design research within the parametric paradigm. The parametric towers research project aims to develop a conceptual framework for the design of a prototype tower to be used as the basis for a set of parametric tools that can be applied to a multitude of different specific conditions.

Individual elements such as massing, skin, core, void, and structure are modulated individually and in concert. The final result is a fully malleable system that can differentiate families and fields of towers in response to user input or environmental considerations. Applications of the research into architectural practice are exemplified via a series of Tower competition entries on large urban scales.

The visitor is invited to experience the work of Zaha Hadid Architects on three different levels, by discovering the Mobile Art pavilion (building), viewing the exhibition design (scenography) and seeing the work of the practice (exhibits).

See also:

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Rabat Grand Theatre by Zaha Hadid Architects	Zaha Hadid and Suprematism in Zurich	Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum by Zaha Hadid

Zaha Hadid Architects have designed two prototype villas for a site overlooking the historic town of Dubrovnik in Croatia.

The concepts, named “Rock” (top) and “Shell” (above), have been developed to help define the architectural style of the resort, which will eventually consist of 400 villas plus hotels and a golf course.

Above: Rock. Below: Shell.

See all our stories about Zaha Hadid Architects.

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Here’s some text from the architects:

Concept Design Report

Introduction

The brief called for the design of two prototype Villas for a new Golf and Spa Resort in Croatia overlooking the old town of Dubrovnik. The total development comprises 400 villas, two 5* hotels, luxury apartments, retail facilities, a spa and an 18 hole golf course including a golf resort club house.

A recently developed master plan determines the perimeter and size of the parcels, which range from 12,000m2 to 20,000m2. The site of the prototype villas is located at the edge of the plateau with picturesque views. The prototype villas shall define the overall architectural design of the resort.

Site

The area of development is located north of Dubrovnik, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The land comprises 430 hectare and is located on a high plateau approximately 300m to 400m above sea level, north of the old town of Dubrovnik.

At the southern edge of the project site, the terrain slopes steeply towards the sea. The terrain also slightly slopes from west to east. The elevated level of the site allows for magnificent views in all directions.

Towards south the owner will enjoy sea views and views of the old town of Dubrovnik. In north direction one can enjoy picturesque mountain and landscape views.

Design Concept Option Rock

Zaha Hadid Architects architectural proposal is a distinct and unique structure with a strong sense of identity and character.

It has a highly expressive, sculptural quality, infused with a sense of light and space. Light and views are the driving forces of the house.

Above: Rock – site plan. Click for larger image

The design is inspired by the Croatian karst topography. Typical karst elements such as sharp-edged cliffs, caves, dolines and sinkholes are adopted by our design.

Above: Rock – level -1. Click for larger image

Metaphorically speaking, the structure appears like a rock, which is partly sunken into the ground.

Above: Rock – level 0. Click for larger image

The seven bedroom house is designed as a three-level structure keeping the buildings profile low in sympathy to the surrounding landscaping and the old town of Dubrovnik.

Above: Rock – level 1. Click for larger image

The building is positioned at the very edge of the slope to take full advantage of the views. The park and garden area to the north will be used as recreation area and buffer zone to the existing village and the semi-public road.

Above: Rock – roof plan. Click for larger image

Design Concept Option Shell

Zaha Hadid Architects design offers long views internally and engages with the surrounding landscape. The prototype for this luxurious private residence has been developed in response to the programme, the landscape and the views.

Above: Rock – section. Click for larger image

The house was designed to be light and spacious with sliding doors giving access to external terraces and courtyards.

Above: Shell – site plan. Click for larger image

The private residence elongated curvilinear building shape is inspired by shell structures as they are found along the Croatian Coastline.

Above: Shell – level -1. Click for larger image

The seven bedroom house is designed as a three-level structure keeping the buildings profile low in sympathy to the surrounding landscaping and the old town of Dubrovnik.

Above: Shell – level 0. Click for larger image

The building is positioned at the very edge of the slope to take full advantage of the views. The park and garden area to the north will be used as recreation area and buffer zone to the existing village and the semi-public road.

Above: Shell – roof plan. Click for larger image

Golf and Spa Resort Dubrovnik

Location: Croatia, Dubrovnik 2009
Design: Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher
Project Architect: Markus Planteu
Lead Designer: Thomas Mathoy

Above: Shell – section. Click for larger image

Project Team: Dennis Brezina, Ivan Ucros, Jesus Garate, Dimitris Akritopoulos, Muthahar Khan
Client: Razvoj Golf
Program: Residential

See also:

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Regium Waterfront by Zaha Hadid Architects	Symbiotic Villa by Zaha Hadid	Rabat Grand Theatre by Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects have completed this school that bridges a running track in Brixton, south London.

Designed for ARK Education, The Evelyn Grace Academy is organised into four smaller schools that share outdoor spaces and facilities.

The building zig-zags across the site with sports fields tucked between it and the roads on both sides.

Classrooms are organised along wide corridors with occasional double-height halls.

Photographs are by Luke Hayes.

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The following text is from Zaha Hadid Architects:

The Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton, London Borough of Lambeth, broadens not only the educational diversity of this active and historical part of London but also augments the built environment in a predominantly residential area.

This Academy presents itself as an open, transparent and welcoming addition to the community’s local urban regeneration process.

The strategic location of the site within two main residential arteries naturally lends the built form to be coherent in formation.

The building assumes a strong urban character and identity which is legible to both the local and neighbouring zones.

It offers a learning environment that is spatially reassuring thereby being able to engage the students actively.

The design of the building proffers that, which contemporary architecture can, to create a healthy atmosphere as a milieu for progressive teaching routines.

In keeping with the educational ideology of ‘schools-within-schools’ the design is to creates natural segregation patterns nested within highly functional spaces which give each of the four smaller schools a distinct identity, both internally and externally.

These spaces present generous environs with maximum levels of natural light, ventilation and understated but durable textures.

The collective spaces – shared by all the schools – are planned to encourage social communication within a distinct hierarchy of natural aggregation nodes which weave together the extensive accommodation schedule.

Similarly, the external shared spaces, in order to generate a setting that encourages interaction, are treated in a manner of layering creating informal social and teaching spaces at various levels based on the convergence of multiple functions.

PROGRAM:

Secondary school for 1200 pupils
Building area: 10,745 m

CLIENT:
School trust: ARK Education
Government: DCSF

ARCHITECT:
Zaha Hadid Architects
Design: Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher
Project: DirectorLars Teichmann
Project Architect: Matthew Hardcastle

Project Team: Lars Teichmann, Matthew Hardcastle, Bidisha Sinha, Henning Hansen, Lisamarie Villegas Ambia, Judith Wahle, Enrico Kleinke, Christine Chow, Guy Taylor, Patrick Bedarf, Sang Hilliges, Hoda Nobakhti

Project Manager: Capita Symonds
Engineers: Arup
Quantity Surveyors: Davis Langdon
Landscape: Gross Max
Acoustic Consultant: Sandy Brown Associates
Main Contractor (Design & Build): Mace Plus
Main Contractor’s Architects: Bamber & Reddan

CDM Co-ord: Arup
FF&E: Favourite Cat
Planning consultants: DTZ
Employer’s Agent: EC Harris
Catering Consultant: Winton Nightingale

Above: main elevations. Click above for larger image

Above: sections. Click above for larger image

Above: ground floor. Click above for larger image

Above: first floor. Click above for larger image

Above: second floor. Click above for larger image

Above: third floor. Click above for larger image

Above: depot layout. Click above for larger image

Above: site plan. Click above for larger image

See also:

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West Buckland School by Rundell Associates	Pestalozzi School by SOMAA	The Langley Academy by Foster + Partners

Jewellery designed by architect Zaha Hadid for the spring/summer 2010 collection at crystal brand Atelier Swarovski will be among projects on show at an exhibition of Hadid’s work in Bahrain next month. (more…)