Open Forum

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Hi Roan,
A few suggestions from someone who's traveled with exhibits in the past.  
Minimize thresholds for an easier ride for the art.
Conditioned crate storage nearby.  Lots.
Wide and high doorways all along the art's pathway from loading dock to gallery.
Near the freight elevator (if the gallery is on a second floor),
Deck high loading dock a short distance from the gallery.
Plywood under the sheetrock for multiple art hangings.
Smooth painted wall surfaces that will accept multiple coats of paint.
Flexible lighting grid.  


------------------------------
Mary Anna Murphy
MAM Exhibit Design
www.mamexhibitdesign.com
Designing cool exhibits for 20 years!
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Thank you for the input.
Are there any particular restrictions which would disqualify a host location?

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2020 09:06 AM
From: Mary Anna Murphy
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Hi Roan,
A few suggestions from someone who's traveled with exhibits in the past.
Minimize thresholds for an easier ride for the art.
Conditioned crate storage nearby.  Lots.
Wide and high doorways all along the art's pathway from loading dock to gallery.
Near the freight elevator (if the gallery is on a second floor),
Deck high loading dock a short distance from the gallery.
Plywood under the sheetrock for multiple art hangings.
Smooth painted wall surfaces that will accept multiple coats of paint.
Flexible lighting grid.


------------------------------
Mary Anna Murphy
MAM Exhibit Design
www.mamexhibitdesign.com
Designing cool exhibits for 20 years!

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

I would strongly recommend that you (any other architects involved in designing a museum or renovating a gallery) read the chapter on "Museum Environment - What Makes a Museum Building Special" in Building Museums: A Handbook for Small and Midsize Organizations (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2012).   It is the single best description of the requirements for housing collections.

Another document that you would find helpful is the General Facilities Report, developed by the Registrars, now Collections Stewardship Committee of AAM.   This is used by most museums to determine whether or not a borrower has the appropriate facilities to properly exhibit collections items.

------------------------------
Janice Klein


Tempe AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-28-2020 09:26 AM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Thank you for the input.
Are there any particular restrictions which would disqualify a host location?

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2020 09:06 AM
From: Mary Anna Murphy
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Hi Roan,
A few suggestions from someone who's traveled with exhibits in the past.
Minimize thresholds for an easier ride for the art.
Conditioned crate storage nearby.  Lots.
Wide and high doorways all along the art's pathway from loading dock to gallery.
Near the freight elevator (if the gallery is on a second floor),
Deck high loading dock a short distance from the gallery.
Plywood under the sheetrock for multiple art hangings.
Smooth painted wall surfaces that will accept multiple coats of paint.
Flexible lighting grid.


------------------------------
Mary Anna Murphy
MAM Exhibit Design
www.mamexhibitdesign.com
Designing cool exhibits for 20 years!

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Hi Roan,
Some restrictions I've come across are:

- Requiring a conditioned vestibule between outdoors and galleries. This is so crates and packing materials can be staged inside but still separate from the galleries to mitigate potential pests/contamination.

- Especially for organic collections, a lack of ability to freeze objects as they come in and/or go back to the lender. Consider designing enough space and electrical/cooling loads for multiple, high capacity freezers.

- I've come across requests for a long history of temperature and humidity to analyze conditions and fluctuations. Consider installing an automated system so that conditions can be monitored and recorded daily. Would be helpful for both traveling exhibits and long-term collections care. 

- Lack of security - which may be remedied by cameras or on-site security guards

Best of luck!

------------------------------
Jillian Slane
Director of Exhibits
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-28-2020 09:26 AM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Thank you for the input.
Are there any particular restrictions which would disqualify a host location?

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-27-2020 09:06 AM
From: Mary Anna Murphy
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Hi Roan,
A few suggestions from someone who's traveled with exhibits in the past.
Minimize thresholds for an easier ride for the art.
Conditioned crate storage nearby.  Lots.
Wide and high doorways all along the art's pathway from loading dock to gallery.
Near the freight elevator (if the gallery is on a second floor),
Deck high loading dock a short distance from the gallery.
Plywood under the sheetrock for multiple art hangings.
Smooth painted wall surfaces that will accept multiple coats of paint.
Flexible lighting grid.


------------------------------
Mary Anna Murphy
MAM Exhibit Design
www.mamexhibitdesign.com
Designing cool exhibits for 20 years!

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Good suggestions from the others. Unfortunately, the facility requirements will likely vary substantially depending on the type and content of each exhibition.

Science and children's museum exhibits are usually designed to take abuse and can be installed in virtually any space. Rare Chinese porcelain, not so much. 

Your best bet might be to contact a few of the exhibit producers that the facility might work with and get their specific requirements for a variety of exhibit types. The Smithsonian's SITES might be a good place to start. Here is a bit of text from the Billie Holiday exhibit they have:



------------------------------
Guy Hermann
Museum Insights
Master Planning for Museums
http://www.museuminsights.com
guy@museuminsights.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Hi Roan,

I am happy to answer any questions. Our firm specializes in traveling exhibitions and I am on the board for AAM's Traveling Exhibit Network. Requirements vary quite a bit depending on the organization––what type of museum are you developing? 

Cynthia

------------------------------
Cynthia Brown
Founding Partner
Fort Myers FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

The project is primarily an exhibition hall. There are (4) breakout spaces which serves as conference rooms and a catering serving kitchen.
We are adding the pre-action sprinkler system and the security cameras in the exhibit hall and access points.

Thank you,
Roan

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-30-2020 05:35 PM
From: Cynthia Brown
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Hi Roan,

I am happy to answer any questions. Our firm specializes in traveling exhibitions and I am on the board for AAM's Traveling Exhibit Network. Requirements vary quite a bit depending on the organization––what type of museum are you developing?

Cynthia

------------------------------
Cynthia Brown
Founding Partner
Fort Myers FL

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------

Roan:

After seeing your post 2 days ago about the nature of the exhibition hall you're designing, I was hoping that a museum professional or consultant with more current experience with exhibition facility requirements would respond to your indication that the planned facility includes a catering serving kitchen.  I am a former executive director of a small art museum in the New York Metro area, who transitioned to being a municipal director of cultural affairs 2 decades ago, so I had hoped that a museum professional or consultant with more recent experience would respond further to your plans.  

You may already be aware of the concerns that accompany food service in museum (and other exhibition) facilities, but I'll note some just in case you're not.  Many travelling exhibitions may require that there be NO food or beverage in any of the galleries used for the exhibit, so your plans should probably anticipate that restriction.  However, food preparation elsewhere in the facility can also be of concern.  If by "catering serving kitchen" you mean that this space will be used essentially as a staging area for the distribution of food prepared by a caterer offsite and transported to the facility, then you will have eliminated the most serious concerns that accompany having a facility identified as a "kitchen" within an exhibition facility.  As you no doubt understand having a kitchen facility within an exhibition hall where food is actually prepared and cooked brings with it a whole host of hazards for museum quality objects exhibited within the same facility.  Even kitchens designed as catering staging areas may have facilities for microwaving or warming of food, which may warrant consideration of this area of the building being serviced by an air handling system separate from that which services the exhibition spaces.  As several previous respondents have suggested, you may want to question institutions or agencies that travel the kind of exhibitions that might be desired for installation in your planned exhibition hall to ascertain what current expectations are regarding this aspect of your facility along with the more standard concerns about staging areas for handling of incoming and outgoing crates with exhibition objects and other environmental requirements that your HVAC systems will need to be designed to meet.

------------------------------
John E. Coraor
Huntington, NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2020 10:39 AM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

The project is primarily an exhibition hall. There are (4) breakout spaces which serves as conference rooms and a catering serving kitchen.
We are adding the pre-action sprinkler system and the security cameras in the exhibit hall and access points.

Thank you,
Roan

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-30-2020 05:35 PM
From: Cynthia Brown
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

Hi Roan,

I am happy to answer any questions. Our firm specializes in traveling exhibitions and I am on the board for AAM's Traveling Exhibit Network. Requirements vary quite a bit depending on the organization––what type of museum are you developing?

Cynthia

------------------------------
Cynthia Brown
Founding Partner
Fort Myers FL

Original Message:
Sent: 05-26-2020 02:13 PM
From: Roan Gomez
Subject: Building Restrictions for Hosting Traveling Exhibits

We are currently finalizing the design for a 4,000 square foot exhibition hall with the intention of hosting traveling exhibits. The design team are trying to determine what features, (fire sprinklers, maglocks, etc) would need to be included in the project so not to restrict their ability to host an exhibit, while remaining budget conscious. The facility checklist is for evaluating the facility to determine whether the exhibit would be allowed in the hall, at all and does not provide any design criteria.

The building envelope is designed for hurricane forces with impact resistant doors and windows. The facility has full security (motion,glass break sensors) and fire alarm system.  I've read in other strings and determined we will add a pre-action fire sprinkler system and cameras in the main exhibit halls.  Are there any other criteria, climate control, halon, which need to be discussed with our client?

Thank you for your responses.
Roan Gomez, AIA

------------------------------
Roan Gomez
Architect
Brownsville TX
------------------------------