"I tried to create something between nature and architecture" - Sou Fujimoto
In this movie filmed by Dezeen at the unveiling of this year's Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London today, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto explains how he used a rigid geometric grid to create a soft and natural atmosphere. Update: this interview is featured in Dezeen Book of Interviews, which is on sale now for £12.
!["I tried to create something between nature and architecture" "I tried to create something between nature and architecture"](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_sou_fujimoto_on_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013_03.jpg)
"The inspiration started from the beautiful surroundings," Fujimoto says. "I was so impressed by the beautiful green surroundings, so I tried to create in this green environment something between nature and architecture, tried to create a transparent structure that melts into the background."
!["I tried to create something between nature and architecture" "I tried to create something between nature and architecture"](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_sou_fujimoto_on_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013_04.jpg)
To achieve this, Fujimoto created his pavilion from a white lattice of steel poles, with variations in density creating a structure that appears more or less transparent depending on where you stand.
"The grid itself is quite straight, rigid and quite artificial," he says. "But when you have such a huge amount, it becomes more like an organic cloud-like or forest-like [structure].
!["I tried to create something between nature and architecture" "I tried to create something between nature and architecture"](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_sou_fujimoto_on_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013_02.jpg)
"I was fascinated by such a beautiful contrast [beween] the really sharp, artificial white grids and the organic, formless experience."
!["I tried to create something between nature and architecture" "I tried to create something between nature and architecture"](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_sou_fujimoto_on_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013_05.jpg)
Fujimoto goes on to reveal that it took him a while to work out how protect visitors to the pavilion from the rain. "We couldn't put a roof on [it] because it would spoil this beautiful structure," he says. "Finally we had the idea to use polycarbonate transparent discs," which slot in between the gaps in the lattice.
!["I tried to create something between nature and architecture" "I tried to create something between nature and architecture"](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_sou_fujimoto_on_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013_06.jpg)
The polycarbonate tiles are not just to provide shelter, Fujimoto says. "Sometimes, if the wind is coming, [the roof] starts to swing and [creates] a more soft atmosphere, and a beautiful contrast with the grid."
See our earlier story for more images of Sou Fujimoto's pavilion »
!["I tried to create something between nature and architecture" "I tried to create something between nature and architecture"](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/06/dezeen_sou_fujimoto_on_serpentine_gallery_pavilion_2013_01.jpg)
See all our stories about the Serpentine Gallery Pavilions »
See more architecture by Sou Fujimoto »