Designing a Museum-Quality System for an Aging Complex
A $24-million, multi-phase renovation program, the modernization of the Walters Art Museum addressed system deficiencies in both the circa-1908 historic building and its 1974 companion structure. The initial phase included detailed assessments of both buildings; and the second phase encompassed the renovation of the 1974 building, construction of a new southern entrance atrium, and the renovation of the lower level and mechanical/electrical systems in the historic building.
The new, energy-efficient systems remedied serious deficiencies in climate control, highlighted by a conversion to variable air volume, installation of a new condenser water-free cooling system, more efficient equipment, and improved control systems. The work also included a pre-action sprinkler system, an FM-200 fire protection system for art storage, an early warning fire detection and alarm system, lighting and control systems, and a new security system.
