Dulwich Picture Gallery has revealed the very first Dulwich Pavilion ‘After Image’, designed by London-based practice IF_DO. An elegant timber truss roof appears to float above a series of fixed and movable translucent mirrors which reflect and disrupt the space and its surrounding environment. Fragments of the building appear in the landscape, and fragments of the landscape appear in the building. A mesh veil suspended around the perimeter further enhances the layering of images and experiences of the structure.

The pavilion was developed in partnership with The London Festival of Architecture and is the product of a competition established to support emerging architects and engage new audiences. LFA Director Tamsie Thomson said IF_DO’s proposal was ‘the embodiment of everything the LFA are trying to do in creating something really practical that has a purpose beyond form-making’, describing the design as ‘outstanding’.

The flexible structure can be adjusted to create an event space for up to 150 people and will host a program of public events, talks and film screenings throughout the summer. Visitors will also be able to enjoy free entry to the Gallery’s Permanent Collection every Friday from 18.00 – 22.00.

IF_DO was established by Al Scott, Sarah Castle and Thomas Bryans in 2014 and their proposal was selected from 75 entries by emerging architects. Their winning design responds to the pavilion’s surroundings and the architecture of John Soane’s Gallery, creating multiple perspectives of the building and its grounds. The practice collaborated with creative engineers StructureMode and artisan fabricators Weber Industries to realise the project.

The Pavilion opens to the public on 2 June 2017. Find out more at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Photography: Joakim Boren.