The global integrated infrastructure services company will also provide cost consultancy and project management services for the scheme, which opens on 25 June at Kensington Gardens, London.
AECOM will provide structural, fire and mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering services for the structure, which is this year designed by Spanish architectural practice selgascano. The pavilion’s design was revealed last week and is a colourful, translucent, chrysalis-like structure with a number of different entry and exit points. A ‘secret corridor’ between the outer and inner layers of the structure will lead visitors into the pavilion’s stained glass-effect interior.
The polygonal structure comprises panels of a translucent, multi-coloured fabric membrane called Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), which will be woven through the steel frame. The engineering focus will be to allow the ETFE panels to deform and deflect to enable movement in the dynamic structure, while keeping it structurally-sound. A further engineering challenge will be to create a buildable modular structure that can be transported and relocated easily once the temporary exhibition space closes.
Tom Webster, Associate Director, Structures, AECOM, said: “The Serpentine Pavilion is one of the most exciting projects in London’s cultural calendar, and this year’s bold and innovative design is no exception. With three months until opening, our challenge will be to deliver the project in a very short period of time, helping create a truly unique visitor experience.”
Last year AECOM helped design and deliver the Smiljan Radi?-designed pavilion, which was a cylindrical structure that resembled a shell and rested on large quarry stones. The company also provided engineering and technical services for Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto’s cloud-like pavilion, which was visited by almost 200,000 people in 2013.
The 2015 Serpentine Pavilion will host a range of events throughout the summer, closing on 18 October 2015.
About AECOM
AECOM is a premier, fully integrated professional and technical services firm positioned to design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets around the world for public- and private-sector clients. With nearly 100,000 employees — including architects, engineers, designers, planners, scientists and management and construction services professionals — serving clients in over 150 countries around the world, AECOM is ranked as the #1 engineering design firm by revenue in Engineering News-Record magazine’s annual industry rankings. The company is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, oil and gas, water, high-rise buildings and government. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering customized and creative solutions that meet the needs of clients’ projects. A Fortune 500 firm, AECOM companies, including URS Corporation and Hunt Construction Group, had revenue of approximately $19 billion during the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2014. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at aecom.com.
Media contact:
Rachel Brierley
rachel.brierley@aecom.com
44 (0)20 821 4166
44 (0)7920 533 198
