In celebration of World Play Day 2025, the Play Pavilion was a public art project designed by British architect Sir Peter Cook, in collaboration with Serpentine and the LEGO Group.

This vibrant immersive environment showcases the power of play, encouraging curiosity and creation in the same way Sir Peter has done as one of the founding fathers of experimental architecture.

The framework of the Pavilion was formed with steel wind-posts to provide the required structural performance. Connected to these, a series of plywood walls crafted in our woodshop with a bright orange laminated face created the circular enclosure.

This circular reference is reflected in the roof canopy; it’s base taking the form of a halo. A network of steel CHS (circular hollow section) members and node connections fabricated and painted in our metal shop were connected to create the geodesic dome. The structure was lifted by crane, fixed into position, and finally covered with a tensioned fabric membrane to provide a waterproof canopy.

The exterior was decorated with LEGO brick embellishments that were delivered to site in sections and then face fixed to the timber walls, the screw heads camouflaged using LEGO capping bricks.

The combination of undulating walls and viewing holes teased both adults and children alike to see what was inside. Here, visitors were faced with low-level plywood units that held a seemingly endless supply of LEGO bricks to create their own designs, with a joyful yellow slide as an alternative point of exit.

“Play transcends survival, achievement, and common sense. It encourages, or at least permits us, to explore and idly delight in a territory between the wayward and speculative towards unashamed amusement.” Peter Cook, architect