26 February 2010

Dear Mr. Koshalek:

In its meeting of 18 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for the proposed inflatable pavilion at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and approved the submission with enthusiasm.

The Commission members noted the proposal's relationship to a contemporary artistic and design approach of emulating the forms and changeability of living organisms. They commented that the semi-annual transformation of the existing facility through the installation of this temporary structure would undoubtedly lend energy to the museum's programs. They also emphasized that the success of the inflatable pavilion will be dependent on its engineering and technical details.

The Commission looks forward to further review the project as these details are more fully developed. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary

Richard Koshalek, Director
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012, MRC 350
Washington, DC 20013-7012

cc: Sheryl Kolasinski, Smithsonian Institution
Elizabeth Diller, Diller Scofidio + Renfro