Diller Scofidio + Renfro

The New York Times reported today that the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is working on a plan for a temporary, inflatable meeting space. The whimsical, 145-foot-tall bubble structure would enclose the courtyard of the Hirshhorn and billow up and out to house a lounge, auditorium and stage.

The project is still being refined, but so far has a rough cost estimate of $5 million. Since the structure would be temporary (it would reportedly only be in place twice a year, in May and in October, to host conferences and special events) the museum would theoretically be able to proceed without seeking approval from the Fine Arts Commission and the National Capital Planning Commission.

Having more space in the city for cultural and art related events is always good thing, and the possibility of being able to enjoy the Hirshhorn’s After Hours events without worrying about weather conditions would be a welcome change. We’ll just have to wait and see if this radical design ever gets off the ground.