The Serpentine Sackler Gallery, was renovated by Zaha Hadid Architects between 2009-13. One part of the building is a 19th Century gun powder store that was redesigned to be used as a gallery and exhibition space. The ‘magazine’ as it is known had an extension added comprising of glass wall and a white glass fibre textile for the canopy roof that sweeps over the the building weightlessly. The extended space is utilised as a restaurant and events space. This is evident in the furniture chosen which sits somewhere in the middle between modern dining and conference. I find the interior design underwhelming in comparison to the striking roof above it. Whilst I am convinced that the furniture should not be too overbearing as it will take away from the architecture, there is a very sterile doctors waiting room atmosphere that does not translate well into dining. When we visited, there were hardly an diners, and those that were seated looked like they were having coffee.
If I were given this space to interior style, I would look to the outside of the building for inspiration and work with natural and earthy colours and materials. The white roof is extremely man made and synthetic in appearance. The stale stained blue carpet that is faded in places is unnecessary and makes it look like a cheap budget hotel. I am sure that all of the pieces are incredibly pricey, but the sad fact is they are not traditional pieces that wear well with time and add charm. They just look damaged and need replacing. Even modernist wooden furniture would lend itself better to the environment and wear and tear. The blues and the greens need to be refined and complimentary of the outside landscape, all year round and not brazenly mocking it and competing with it.
Jessica Rosaleen Broughton 