Museums put a lot of thought and care into the displays of their objects. Yet almost all of these institutions can present only a fraction of their artifacts. They have to keep the rest in storage.
That’s why museum leaders should focus as much design attention on the archives as the galleries themselves, according to a new white paper by Erin Flynn and Bruce Davis, architects and museum experts with the firm Cooper Robertson.
In the paper, which comes out later this year, Flynn and Davis argue that collection storage can no longer be an afterthought. They show how thoughtfully designed storage systems improve the accessibility of museum archives, while also creating a better environment for the preservation, protection, and study of the collections.
One main takeaway from the paper: Good museum storage design requires a collaborative effort among architects, engineers, curators, and other specialists at the start of any museum project. At the Whitney Museum, for instance, this multidisciplinary approach led to design changes that will protect the storage areas and galleries in the event of severe weather, such as flooding.
The paper also highlights the specific engineering conditions needed to create a cooler, drier climate in archival spaces, as well as the value of isolated mechanical systems in each gallery and storage area.
![Princeton University Museum](/sites/default/files/inline-images/VIEW-4.jpg)
Other key takeaways:
Expanding collections often house large and mixed-media pieces, which puts more pressure on existing storage spaces.
Overcrowded storage could lead to narrowed circulation paths and jeopardize the safe retrieval of objects.
Museums need to determine if it’s more cost effective to lease offsite storage spaces or build their own.
One creative approach is visible storage. This typically involves arranging items in dense displays behind glazing to maintain proper preservation conditions while also allowing more of the collection to be on display for the public.
Cooper Robertson has provided design and planning work for over 50 museums and collection-based institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA, the Gateway Arch Museum, and the upcoming Princeton University Art Museum.
Related Stories
| Apr 9, 2014
Colossal aquarium in China sets five Guinness World Records
With its seven salt and fresh water aquariums, totaling 12.87 million gallons, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park is considered the world’s largest aquarium.
| Apr 9, 2014
Steel decks: 11 tips for their proper use | BD+C
Building Teams have been using steel decks with proven success for 75 years. Building Design+Construction consulted with technical experts from the Steel Deck Institute and the deck manufacturing industry for their advice on how best to use steel decking.
| Apr 2, 2014
8 tips for avoiding thermal bridges in window applications
Aligning thermal breaks and applying air barriers are among the top design and installation tricks recommended by building enclosure experts.
| Mar 26, 2014
Callison launches sustainable design tool with 84 proven strategies
Hybrid ventilation, nighttime cooling, and fuel cell technology are among the dozens of sustainable design techniques profiled by Callison on its new website, Matrix.Callison.com.
Sponsored | | Mar 21, 2014
Kameleon Color paint creates color-changing, iridescent exterior for Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral
Linetec finishes Firestone’s UNA-CLAD panels, achieving a one-of-a-kind, dynamic appearance with the first use of Valspar’s new Kameleon Color
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 13, 2014
Do you really 'always turn right'?
The first visitor center we designed was the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for the Everglades National Park in 1993. I remember it well for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the ongoing dialogue we had with our retail consultant. He insisted that the gift shop be located on the right as one exited the visitor center because people “always turn right.”
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Mar 5, 2014
5 tile design trends for 2014
Beveled, geometric, and high-tech patterns are among the hot ceramic tile trends, say tile design experts.
| Feb 24, 2014
New Menil Drawing Institute will fit in with leafy surroundings
In Houston, plans are being finalized for the first freestanding American building built to house and conserve modern and contemporary drawings.