IF_DO, a ‘young and restless’ practice based in Peckham, have completed their rectilinear, temporary pavilion at Dulwich Picture Gallery. For the practice, which was formed only a few years ago in 2014, this is a breakthrough project; exposing their work to a whole new audience.

Al Scott, Co-founding Director, IF_DO, said:

“The Dulwich Pavilion has provided a wonderful opportunity for us to create a unique public structure in an exceptional setting. We have benefitted hugely from the freedom given by our clients and support of the London Festival of Architecture. Working in close collaboration with creative engineers StructureMode and fabricators Weber Industries to realise the project has been a great experience, and vital to its success.”

This is the first pavilion to grace the gallery’s grounds and pays tribute the John Soane’s iconic building design on its 200th anniversary since doors were first opened. Not only does this structure compliment and literally mirror its context, it will reduce the pressure of increased footfall on the gallery as the art house gains more and more popularity. The pavilion will act as a public structure with its own café pod, and will be free to the all from its opening on Friday (2 June) throughout the summer. Following the now popular model of opening late to access the post-work crowd, the Dulwich Picture Gallery will also hold themed Friday Lates throughout June and July, where both the permanent collection and the pavilion will be open to the evening masses.

Jennifer Scott, the new Sackler Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery, said:

“This pavilion, with its reflective surfaces and elegant design, is the perfect way for us to celebrate the innovation of Sir John Soane’s original Dulwich Picture Gallery building which first opened to the public 200 years ago. It also marks our commitment to finding continually fresh and exciting ways of bringing art to life for all our audiences.”

The competition for the design was launched in Autumn last year, in conjunction with the Dulwich Picture Gallery and the London Festival of Architecture. IF_DO’s design won in a field of 75 entries, impressing the judges, leading architecture and design professionals including Carl Turner (founder and director, Carl Turner Architects).

The design simultaneously reflects and fragments the landscape, creating a disjointed view of the old and the new. In this way, IF_DO have built upon the London Festival of Architecture's theme of 'memory' through this playful and engaging use of space.