Memorial day - 20

The subject of today's blog isn't a memorial. Is it a public work of art? The answer depends on your definition of art.

Every year, the Serpentine Gallery, located in Kensington Gardens London, commissions an internationally renowned architect or individual to design a temporary pavilion for its lawn. The programme allows a distinctive temporary landmark to be created in London, while allowing architects to create more experimental structures.

The 2007 Pavilion is designed by the internationally acclaimed artist Olafur Eliasson and award-winning Norwegian architect Kjetil Thorsen.

The timber-clad structure resembles a spinning top (or snail) and brings a dramatic vertical dimension to the pavilion. A wide spiralling ramp makes two complete turns, allowing visitors to ascend from ground level to the top of the pavilion where visitors have a view across Kensington Gardens as well as a bird's eye view of the chamber below.

During the day the pavilion is used as a cafe, while in the evening it becomes the venue for learning, debate and entertainment.

The Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is based in Berlin where he established Studio Olafur Eliasson, a laboratory for spacial research. His work explores the relationship between individuals and their surroundings. He was the creator of The Weather Project, in my opinion, the best work exhibited in Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, as part of the annual Unilever Series commissions.

Enough words, here are some images taken in and around the pavilion.