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]