Dear Colleagues:
 
I am currently doing research for a chapter on
museum architectural projects in the new edition of
_Museum_Registration_Methods_.  In talking to
registrars, curators, and conservators at various
institutions, I have learned that there are many
models for blending architectural, conservation, and
exhibit interests into the development process.
 
To further complicate my life, I am taking my
questions to the people, so to speak.  I would like
very much to hear from those of you on the List who
have experienced a major expansion and/or renovation
project [preferably in the last 10 years].  Please
share with me [and the list at large, if you like]
your experiences, anecdotes, comments, and bad jokes
in the following categories:
 
1.]  Project Planning.  In your institution, what
was/is the role of the collections staff in
designing new spaces or renovating old ones?  Was
collections management and conservation a primary
concern for the architects, or an afterthought?  Did
your architect think he/she was acting out his/her
own personal production of _The Fountainhead_?  Feel
free to vent-- I've been there.
 
2].  Collections Protection.  How did you protect
your collections during the construction project?
If a move was required, discuss the logistics of
record-keeping and enclosure.  Did you contract with
a conservator to supervise part or all of the job?
Describe in detail if possible.
 
3].  Facility Design.  Okay, assuming the architect
and the board of trustees even cared what you
thought of the new wing, what kind of design would
you propose?  I am primarily interested in designs
for collections management and storage areas, but
throw in your thoughts on exhibit design, too.  How
would ADA influence your access plans?
 
Since I'm already painting with pretty wide strokes,
I'd like to hear from a cross section of
institutions, including art museums, historic
houses, and natural history museums.  Any
revolutionary ideas which you care to share with me
would be greatly appreciated, and hopefully they
will help to beef up what has in the past been a
rather spare section of _MRM_.
 
Thanks in advance.  I look forward to hearing from you!
 
*********************************************
Patrick L. Ralston,
Guerrilla Registrar
Phone: 501-753-9943
Fax: I wish.
email: [log in to unmask]