Although the Smithsonian Board of Regents had planned to discuss Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s long-debated inflatable atrium on June 24th, secretary of the Smithsonian G. Wayne Clough —never one to dawdle — canceled the so-called “Bubble” project Wednesday, Washington City Paper reported.

Following the recent deadlock among the Hirshhorn’s board of trustees that lead to museum director and Bubble advocate Richard Koshalek’s resignation, Clough’s decision brings nearly five years of debating and fundraising to a close. Although the project had attracted donations from the likes of Michael Bloomberg(unleashing the possibility of a “Bloomberg Bubble” on the world) to raise a total of $8 million, the Bubble’s cost versus benefit remained a point of contention. Since 2009, when the Hirshhorn originally presented the concept, its price tag had tripled from $5 million to $15.5 million.

Ending on an upbeat note, WCP pointed out the possibility of Bjarke Ingels reviving DS+R’s deflated design in a future Smithsonian Institute master plan. Although it’s a long shot, this fellow-architect-fueled optimism for fallen projects has been a recurring theme lately. In light of DS+R’s recent efforts to preserve the embattled Tod Williams Billie Tsien American Folk Art Museum, karma should be on their side. [Washington City Paper]