VISION ISSUE NINE | SPRING 2019
Current Trends in Museum Systems Modern museum design requires thoughtful integration of MEP/FP systems to create a safe environment to display art and provide an enjoyable experience for visitors. As flexibility becomes increasingly important to museums, and as industry technology continually evolves, trends in systems design also evolve. Kohler Ronan has compiled a list of some of the key developments in design which we have incorporated into MEP/FP and Technology systems on many of our recent design projects.
design is configured to never threaten destruction of art due to water leaks, system failures, and the like. In existing buildings, one option for managing mechanical system artwork threats is to stack systems in a “wet column.” In this way, all mechanical systems are stacked on all floors including reheat distribution. This approach allows for waterproofing at each mechanical equipment room floor level, thus providing drainage that extends down to the floor below and keeping wet system utilities away from art installations.
1. Seasonal Adjustments to Temperature and Humidity Setpoints More and more, our engineers are designing HVAC systems to gradually relax temperature and humidity setpoints on a seasonal basis; modifications can happen over a 1 or 2-week period. Working with conservators to match collection needs with environmental design, this approach can save energy, reduce short-term humidity fluctuations, and reduce instances of condensation on glazed surfaces.
4. Use of LED Lighting LED technology has significantly improved; it can now provide museum-quality lighting as well as significant energy savings. LED lighting systems should be used especially where traditional lighting is not required by the art program such as in galleries, office support spaces, and conservation studios.
2. Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) to Pre-treat Outdoor Air Dedicated Outside Air Systems (DOAS) are used to process fresh air before it reaches air-handling units. This approach is particularly beneficial as internal space loads have reduced over time due to improved glazing and lighting systems. DOAS systems allow for precise outside air delivery while maintaining tight humidity control. 3. Minimization of HVAC Risk to Artwork In new buildings, avoiding any threat to artwork due to MEP systems—therefore creating appropriate mechanical spaces well below art levels, and providing appropriate air paths for delivery of processed air—is critical. Appropriate
5. Designing for Flexibility Designing mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems with flexibility to allow for changing collections is a growing expectation among museum owners. This can be accommodated with flexible fire protection and HVAC terminations, as well as carefully designed electrical and technology floor outlets. Revolving and flexible programs are important to most of today’s modern art facilities. 6. Use of Pre-Action Fire Suppression Systems To reduce significant risk in collection areas, we are designing pre-action fire protection systems, which are basically dry pipe sprinkler systems supplemented by additional detection systems when activated. Many of our museum clients have evaluated both gaseous and water vapor systems, but it seems that space ALL TEXT ©2019 KOHLER RONAN, LLC
requirements, threat assessment, and cost models almost uniformly point to a preaction system or standard wet system. 7. Incorporating Redundancy Designing HVAC systems to incorporate redundancy is an increasing trend as well. This can be achieved by providing airhandling units with individual redundancy, such as fan walls, and valve bypasses so that they can operate under a component failure. Another option might be to manifold several air-handling units together via ductwork so that, in the event of a single unit failure, the remaining manifold units can continue to maintain the desired environmental conditions. This approach also ensures that future equipment replacement is seamless and does not require the removal of installed artwork for gallery shutdowns. 8. Selection of Specific Air Filtration Based on Needs Specific filtration matched to the outside air quality, collection needs, and specific off gassing of the works of art is a key consideration today. Museum collections can vary greatly in filtration needs and appropriate filtration can significantly improve indoor air quality to support collections. Understanding proper filter media sizing, selection, and compatibility is often the first line of defense against destructive pollutants that are either introduced or pre-existing within a gallery space. continued on page 4
IN THIS ISSUE Grounding & Bonding
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On-site Generators Revit® Corner
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Project Highlight 4