Today, the National Building Museum (NBM) unveiled renderings of “Lawn,” the summer installation by New York–based architecture firm Rockwell Group that will occupy the museum’s great hall from July 4 through September 2 as part of the institution’s Summer Block Party series.
Designed to provide visitors with “quintessential summer activities,” according to a press release, the installation will feature a sloping green space made of recyclable synthetic lawn material assembled on a scaffolding superstructure. Hammocks suspended from the 100-foot ceilings will be programmed with hidden speakers that play pre-recorded audio of American storytellers sharing their memories of the summer. A scaffolding tower the height of the building’s third floor will be placed at the top of the lawn for visitors to ascend, offering a new vantage point for viewing the museum. Finally, Rockwell Group’s experience design studio called LAB developed custom software for an augmented reality game through which museum-goers can “collect” and “release” fireflies as one might on a summer evening.
Courtesy NBM
“The lawn is a fascinating example of a typology that straddles the line between public and private space,” said Rockwell Group founder David Rockwell, FAIA, in a press release. “Whether it is a backyard or a public green, lawns bring people together and foster a sense of community, so our goal was to create an indoor lawn that would inspire people to share stories, make memories, and daydream, while honoring the great tradition of summertime.”
NBM plans to host movie nights, yoga, and meditation sessions, among other activities, in the space throughout the installation’s tenure.
“Lawn” will be open at the National Building Museum from July 4 until September 2. Tickets start at $10.
