All those years in school and now I get to wear a hard hat...This is a
request for information. The San Diego Natural History Museum has hired
an architect as the building extension planned in 1933 takes another step
toward reality. The new building addition will be designated for all
nonpublic functions (collections, research, conservation, administration,
etc.) and the old building will be upgraded to show off its really
attractive features in exhibits and public programs.
 
Our architect is very familiar with this museum and our needs, but not
with other museums or with the problems of museum design in general. I
will have some influence (so I was told) in the design. What I need for
him is either or both of the following, listed in order of preference:
        1. Specific museums, libraries, or other collections-based
institutions which, in your judgement, are examples of GOOD architectural
design (i.e. that do the job and make it possible for the staff to do
theirs). We would like to set up a study tour of the best and brightest
buildings, no limits on year of construction. Concerns include provisions
for health and safety, access, collections protection, work spaces, and
(for us) seismic considerations as well as security.
 
        2. (because I know there's no way out of it) Specific
institutions as above which in your judgement exemplify the WORST in
design, concept, and/or realization. We will NOT set up a study tour of
these, nor will I divulge names or other identifying information to
anyone, but it might be useful to know what doesn't work as well as what
does.
 
Thank you for your time and courtesy.
Sally Shelton
Collections Conservation Specialist
San Diego Natural History Museum