Second impressions

First impressions of Jean Nouvel's Serpentine Pavilion weren't great.

It's very striking in block red and the 12 metre red glass wall rising out of the ground at a jaunty angle, but it seemed a bit standard. I felt that the pavilions have got increasingly commercial - more just a pretty cafe than experimental architecture with something to say and I was a bit disappointed when I settled down with my coffee.

But sitting in the sunshine and taking it all in, I started to change my mind.

As a piece of democratic architecture in the public realm it's actually quite successful. With a kid's soft play area, parents are happy, and sunken seating areas with built in green and red chess boards - visitors really seemed to be making the space their own.

With scattered cushions, people lounged about reading books and curled up with their dogs, they created their own interiors. It became more tham just a cafe, as people took time to rest there and enjoy the space.

Pivoting glass screens allow you to change the interior spaces and hammocks and ping pong tables create a relaxed and playful atmosphere.

This relaxation and payfulness made me forget the shoddy workmanship and cheap materials, and appreciate the little details like a red and green veg patch and changing red and green floor finishes.

I stand corrected. It's quite a cool structure!