Following successful iterations by Snarkitecture, Studio Gang, James Corner Field Operations, and BIG, the National Building Museum's Summer Block Party is back this year with an immersive installation designed by the LAB at Rockwell Group. 

For this year's party, the experimental design studio will be bringing a quintessentially American ideal to the Museum's Great Hall. As visitors enter the space, they will be greeted by a building-sized mural of the sky, that then leads them to a sloping green space with interactive hammocks. Recreating a giant yard as the installation's title "Lawn" suggests, the space will accommodate popular summer activities such as movie nights and yoga that are often hosted in parks during the summer months.

“The lawn is a fascinating example of a typology that straddles the line between public and private space,” said David Rockwell, founder and president, Rockwell Group. “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.”

Across the "Lawn," the experimental studio has also peppered in other interactive surprises. For example, the hammocks contain speakers playing pre-recorded audio from prominent American storytellers. For kids (and adults too!), the team has developed an Augmented Reality game that allows players to chase and collect fireflies.

Opening on July 4th, "Lawn" promises to be another hit for the museum. “Rockwell Group’s mission to drive connection through design aligns perfectly with our Summer Block Party series,” said Chase Rynd, executive director, National Building Museum. “The LAB has ingeniously brought a quintessentially American ideal into our Great Hall, highlighting the interplay between design and landscape, while also eliciting a sense of wonder and play among visitors of all ages.”