I once worked in a library that had the air intake located in the loading dock area.  All those nice truck fumes pumped through the building.

-----Original Message-----
>From: Lois Brynes <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Mar 27, 2006 2:46 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Collections Storage
>
>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]
>>               
>> M>                                                         To
>>              Sent by: Museum           [log in to unmask]
>>              discussion  
>> list                                            cc
>>              <[log in to unmask]
>>              SE.LSOFT.COM>                                          
>> Subject
>>                                        Collections Storage
>>
>>              03/25/2006 08:39
>>              AM
>>
>>
>>              Please respond to
>>              Museum discussion
>>                    list
>>              <[log in to unmask]
>>                SE.LSOFT.COM>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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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