Existing comment:
What's Happening Here?
Opened to the public in 1974, the Hirshhorn's Museum building is showing signs of age. This Smithsonian construction project replaces the precast concrete panels around the building's drum and the steel angles that support these panels to remedy defects in the original construction as well as deterioration over time.
As shown in this construction photograph from the early 1970s, the Museums' concrete facade panels were hung directly on the building's concrete drum structure. This revitalization project adds a waterproof membrane and insulation behind new facade panels.
These modifications increase the energy efficiency of the Museum and improve our ability to control humidity inside the building, which will ensure the long-term protection of artworks. As shown in these diagrams, the air cavity behind the concrete panels will grow by 3 inches to make room for new insulation. The Smithsonian is also installing a more watertight and energy-efficient roof and upgraded windows at the north balcony.
While the diameter of the building will grow by 6 inches, the project team has worked diligently to make sure that this change will be barely perceptible. The stone aggregate used for the new precast concrete panels is sources from the same quarry in Maine that supplied the granite for the original construction. The pattern and widths of joints between the panels, and the appearance of the panels, will be consistent with the original.
When the job is complete, the appearance of the Hirshhorn will be preserved, but the building's energy efficiency and our ability to protect the valuable art inside will be greatly enhanced. |