Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha, NE
- Tagged under:
- Civic
Metrics
- Size:
- 42,000 sf
- Specialisms:
- Commissioning, Enclosures
Joslyn Art Museum has broken ground on a new addition that will transform the Museum for the next generation of visitors.
The design for the expansion conceived by architectural practice, Snøhetta, promises to continue the legacy of architectural exploration initiated by John & Alan MacDonald and furthered by Foster + Partners. We are honored to be working closely with project manager Anser Advisory and the Museum to deliver quality assurance for the project. As the commissioning agent, BranchPattern is validating the Museum’s requirements are achieved for the building systems and enclosure. The 42,000 SF expansion will feature light-filled galleries and outdoor spaces, that continue Joslyn’s vision of providing access to art for everyone.
Critical Requirements
The validation of air quality, lighting, temperature and humidity are especially critical for the new galleries as they protect and preserve valuable art. Through collaboration with the design and construction teams, our integrated review is supporting the Museum’s project requirements and helping to maintain uninterrupted service between existing and new equipment. This includes:
- Stable temperatures and relative humidity in gallery spaces
We are assisting the team in implementing the controls sequence and HVAC equipment to maintain consistent humidity and temperature in critical spaces containing artwork.
- Continuous system performance with real-time operational information
We are implementing a monitoring-based commissioning using a smart building platform that helps identify issues before they affect the system or become a larger issue. Artificial intelligence within our monitoring software is being custom programmed to detect, diagnose, and alert BranchPattern and the Museum. Detection capabilities include tracking irregularities, faults, and inefficiencies within the mechanical and electrical systems.
- Keeping artwork dry
On a project with no tolerance for leaks, our enclosure commissioning team is carefully reviewing and informing the quality assurance approach for the roofing, skylights, and curtainwall systems on the project. Innovative materials and expressive massing form an inflection point for the expansion, which helps to define and reinterpret the characteristic Georgia Pink marble that currently clads the Museum. The novel facade is undergoing laboratory testing protocols to validate its performance. Once installed, additional field testing for water intrusion will validate installed performance for the completed project.
With deep roots in the Nebraska region, BranchPattern is grateful to partner with Joslyn as the building commissioning agent on this iconic project. We are committed to strengthening our local community and excited for the next phase of Joslyn’s life, while honoring its storied past.
