Building Type Basics for Museums

Book excerpt: Tremendous opportunities are opening up as architecture becomes more generalized and firms accept commissions for a widening range of building types. To take advantage of these opportunities, architects need instant information on the general issues, materials, systems, requirements, and general design guidelines associated with different types of structures. Building Type Basics books fulfill this need. Building Type Basics for Museums is a one-stop source for the essential information architects need to fast-start the design process. In this book, author Arthur Rosenblatt draws upon the expertise of leading architects from around the world to present all aspects of museum and cultural facility design. This book provides critical information on the process, potential problems, design concerns, and recent trends in museum and cultural facility design, along with complete coverage of energy issues, mechanical systems, and structural concerns as well as acoustic control, lighting, internal traffic, security, and other important topics. This indispensable guide: * Asks and answers twenty questions that frequently arise in the early phases of a project commission * Provides project photographs, diagrams, floor plans, sections, and details * Includes guidelines for art, science, and natural history museums; ethnic art and cultural centers; and more This conveniently organized quick reference is an invaluable guide for busy, dedicated professionals who want to get moving quickly as they embark on a new project. Like every Building Type Basics book, it provides authoritative, up-to-date information instantly and saves architects countless hours of research. Engineering consultants will also find a wealth of information to help them tackle museum commissions of all kinds.