Performance Criteria for Museum Enclosure Design
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Overview
Abstract
This paper develops a framework of considerations for the development of project specific performance criteria for the design of art museums and art-viewing facilities. Three areas of performance are addressed: light control, interior environmental conditions, and condensation resistance. Also discussed are challenges related to integrating these criteria with wider institutional goals such as access to artwork and resources and responsible energy use.
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Introduction
Within the larger field of custom facade design, building envelopes for museums and art-viewing facilities are a sub-category with unique and complex performance requirements for which a general overview is
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Natural Light Control
Illumination using full spectrum light, such as daylight, is generally considered the highest quality experience for viewing artwork not only for perception of color, but for the psychological effects and
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Interior Environmental Conditions
Temperature and relative humidity (RH) are the two primary mechanical system considerations for museum and art-viewing facility enclosure design and attention to these criteria are hallmarks of most, if not
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Condensation Resistance and Mitigation Within the Building Envelope
In climates with cold seasons, the elevated interior relative humidity specified for museums and most art-viewing facilities makes condensation mitigation more challenging than most other building types. Condensation is a
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Conclusion
Design of the building envelope for museums and art-viewing facilities requires thoughtful attention of numerous unique considerations and institutional goals. Based on new science and material research, conservation requirements for
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Rights and Permissions
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