The design team described the creative process behind the Serpentine Pavilion 2026, mentioning a moment when the vision of snakes began to permeate the work. Initially, this perception emerged subtly, through the soft pencil outline of the roof that delimited the area where the partner, Alessandro Arienzo, and the author were to develop the Serpentine Pavilion.
This idea gained more substance after Alessandro found a photograph of a wavy wall (crinkle-crankle) online. This discovery sparked a greater desire to explore the theme. Curved lines began to appear in the shadows cast by a roof made of aluminum tiles, or they merged with the scribbles, generating a feeling that was simultaneously satisfying and disturbing.
By adopting the geometry of the snake as the guiding principle of the project, along with the constant repetition of the sibilant word, a nearly magical presence seems to have been evoked, under which the months of work passed.
The text also addresses the importance of ancient construction methods, which consist of elements that must be arranged in a specific sequence; if the names of these components are forgotten, vernacular architecture risks disappearing along with them.
A wall can shape space in various ways: it can be a series of open areas in a crescent shape or simply a straight divider. It can evoke the image of a serpent god ascending from earth to sky, in contrast to its supposed sister, who would be cut by a sword.
Before visiting Suffolk, the wavy walls were just abstract concepts, but after the visit, they revealed themselves as true echo devices. Even the English term, crinkle-crankle, is constructed by the repetition of a sound that describes the act of curving—sinuous, entering and exiting, as if uttering an enchantment.
Bricks, which come from the land where snakes reside, can be stacked to protect the interior or arranged as a base for community events, thus becoming containers for both human fears and aspirations.
The 2026 Pavilion concretizes the boundaries of the Serpentine lawn, establishing a bench on the south side and a wall on the north side. By marking these borders, the Pavilion opens them to the outside, giving them habitability. A sinuous wall runs through the center of the site, transmitting energy and movement to the surrounding environment. This represents a contemporary version of what is called 'pairidaeza': a space where bricks are inert, but not devoid of essence.
Residents of the residential complex in Surata encountered a snake during their daily activities. When people noticed the creature on the ground, they initially assumed it was an ordinary snake. However, upon getting closer, it turned out that it was not just any snake, but a small python.
The incident took place in the Adajan area of Surata, within the campus of a residential apartment building. As soon as people saw the snake, those around became alert. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was a baby Indian rock python.
The news quickly spread throughout the complex, and many started approaching to view the python from a distance. There was concern that the animal might suddenly move towards people. Fortunately, the residents refrained from trying to catch or disturb it.
As soon as the wildlife rescue team received the information, they arrived at the scene. Specialists first ensured the safety of the surrounding people by moving them to a safe distance. Then, the python cub was carefully caught and placed in a protective box. After that, the animal was handed over to the forestry department.
According to the forestry department, this is a baby Indian rock python, which is not venomous. Nevertheless, this does not mean that people can try to catch it upon seeing it. Since the python can grow to a very large size, it is best to conduct such rescue operations with the help of wildlife experts, which the residents did in this case.
The question arose as to how the python got into the residential complex. One possible explanation could be the rainy season. During the rains, snakes and other crawling creatures often leave their shelters because water can accumulate in their burrows. Under such conditions, they search for a dry place, passing through ditches, bushes, and other areas until they reach populated areas.
The python found in Adajan may have strayed from some nearby natural stream or area. The forestry department is currently investigating to determine exactly where the cub came from. While the python is under the observation of the forestry department, and after inspection, it is planned to release it into a safe natural area.
