Inflated by rooftop pumps and with pressure maintained by an air lock, the Hirshhorn Museums seasonal expansion is an inflatable form that fills (and extends above and off to the side of) the building's central courtyard.
View from the Mall.
The inflatable membrane structure will protrude out from the central atrium, under the building itself, and into the western courtyard, encompassing a 2,000-square-foot lounge.
Amphitheater/performance venue plan
In the main space, seating can be set up to accommodate a performance.
Film venue plan
Main space seating set up for a film.
Exhibition/art installation venue plan
Bubble-enclosed courtyard set up as exhibition space.
View from galleries.
Inflation sequence, step one: install roof ring and blower and unpack membrane.
Inflation diagram, step 2: unfurl membrane and attach guide cables.
Inflation diagram, step 3: Inflate big and small bubbles
Inflated membrane
An anchor ring mounted at roof level to supports the inflated membrane as it rises above the roof line.
Inflatable systems concept: Air seal and inflation tube connection.
Inflatable systems concept: Air seal and inflation tube connection.
Inflatable systems concept: Roof-mounted inflation equipment.
Inflatable systems concept: Revolving doors to act as air locks.
