Serpentine Pavilion – Unzipped

Toronto, Ontario

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Serpentine Pavilion – Unzipped

An Exciting Addition to Toronto's King West

In the summer of 2018, the King West neighborhood welcomed an interactive architectural experience that captivated Torontonians. Situated on the future site of KING Toronto—a large-scale mixed-use development—Unzipped showcased how architecture can strengthen community connection and integrate art into urban landscapes. The exhibit showcased the work of Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), a Copenhagen-based architecture firm, in collaboration with development group, Westbank.
  • Client

    Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

  • Location

    Toronto, Ontario

  • Sector

    Mixed-use

  • Discipline

    Exhibit Design, Signage

  • Developer

    Westbank

A Visitor-Centric Pavilion Experience

The centerpiece of the exhibition was the Serpentine Pavilion, an extraordinary structure designed by BIG and commissioned by Westbank. This “unzipped wall” was made of 1,802 stacked fiberglass boxes, embodying BIG’s signature “pixelated” style and offering a glimpse of the design elements that would define the future KING Toronto project.

Our team collaborated closely with BIG and Westbank to curate an immersive visitor experience. Graphic elements were thoughtfully designed to guide guests on their journey through the pavilion. Panels featuring the story of the Serpentine Gallery mirrored the Pavilion’s forms, while interactive exhibit graphics explored the relationship between patrons and architects. Large-scale models and multimedia installations further enriched the narrative, sparking curiosity among visitors.

Beyond the Pavilion

The visitor experience extended well beyond the physical exhibit. We developed complementary materials, including a sales centre, exhibit programs, books, direct mailers, and exclusive memorabilia such as posters and postcard sets. The Serpentine Pavillion exhibition was free to the public until December 18, 2018.

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