Leonora...

I am not sure what your collections are. I worked with a Natural  
History Museum where collections were stored in a beautifully  
designed underground area.
The set up was great EXCEPT.

I asked my first week there how the ventilation system worked and was  
told it ran right through the central building system.

DUH. Gee says I and so I guess we're cycling all the arsenic that was  
used to preserve the collection through the visitor areas.

Response: Don't say that.


Lois
On Mar 27, 2006, at 11:33 AM, Mark Janzen wrote:

> Lenora,
>
> I agree with the others. If your architects are not feeding you a  
> line, and
> are interested in properly designing the space, then there is no  
> reason
> basement storage should be a problem. Just make sure all of your  
> needs are
> met in terms of access, space, security, environment, etc. Stay  
> involved
> with the process, and insist on seeing plans and approving changes.  
> Most
> architects are happy to work with you, but their priorities are not
> necessarily your priorities.
>
> One issue I have had to deal with was water outside the space. My  
> basement
> storage area has an outside wall, and you should avoid this in your  
> new
> design if at all possible. The result of the outside wall and the  
> general
> design of the drainage pattern outside tends to put water against said
> outside wall, which can generate problems inside, despite the foot  
> and a
> half thickness of concrete. More than anything, it makes the  
> environmental
> system work harder, but it also creates microclimates that have to be
> monitored/avoided.
>
> Other than that, make sure you are designing in enough space to  
> work and
> grow.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Mark Janzen
> Registrar/Collections Manager
> Edwin A. Ulrich Museum of Art
> Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
> Wichita State University
> (316)978-5850
>
>
>
>              Lenora Henson
>              <[log in to unmask]
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> Subject
>                                        Collections Storage
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>              03/25/2006 08:39
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>
>
>
>
>
> My institution is undertaking a sizable construction project that will
> include a purpose-built collections storage area . . . in the  
> basement.
>
> I have repeatedly expressed my concern about the inherent problems
> associated with below-grade collections storage (moisture levels,  
> pests,
> etc.), and have been assured that the new space will be designed  
> perfectly
> and that my concerns are unfounded.
>
> I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience dealing  
> with
> purpose-built below-grade collections storage.  How long ago was it  
> built?
>
> What works?  What doesn't work?  Would you recommend it to anyone  
> else?
> Why?  Why not?
>
> Thanks for your help,
> Lenora
>
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