2024-05-02T12:14:02-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/77249856/suffocating-the-bubble-of-democracy Andrew Davis 2013-07-17T14:20:00-04:00 >2013-07-22T21:31:24-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/44/44wrmdek9rkfxxgs.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><em><p>"To some degree, the very characteristics that promised to make the bubble easier to build ultimately handicapped its fund-raising ability. Because the structure was temporary &mdash; Mr. Koshalek envisioned inflating the pavilion designed by the New York firm Diller Scofidio &amp; Renfro in May and October &mdash; the museum was able to avoid the layers of approval usually required for any structure destined for the National Mall."</p></em><br /><br /><p> In the words of Woody Allen, "What we have on our hands is a dead shark." As has been previously reported, the DS+R project for the Hirshhorn Museum in D.C. will not be moving forward. The reason for this failure is purportedly due to fundraising deficiencies and not aesthetics as the Smithsonian's dense bureaucracy continually reiterates. However, as this <em>Times</em> articles suggests, the impermanent nature of this design is not only a disincentive for donor's support but also integral to its aesthetics. The failure of this unique project is thus fittingly situated in the democratic heart of Washington D.C. where thoughtful deliberations flourish.</p>