The V&A opened its new suite of galleries dedicated to the arts of living in Europe between 1600 and 1815.
Seven galleries have been transformed as part of the redevelopment for the redisplay of the Museum’s unrivalled collection of 17th and 18th century European art and design.
Arup provided building services engineering and designed a number of passive environmental systems. The galleries have been stripped back to expose the beauty and simplicity of the original architecture.
Arup worked closely with architects ZMMA in order to create the best environment for works of art and historic artefacts. This collaborative and intelligent approach to the services design ensured that the correct temperature, humidity, air filtration and noise levels were incorporated in to design of the building from the earliest stages.
Arup used existing trenches and disused ventilation chimneys to hide the building services to allow the original building fabric to be exposed. The high quality finish of the gallery ensures that the focus of attention is on the priceless objects on display.
“We have used really clever control systems that have been adapted from mainstream products. In taking this project through the commissioning phase, understanding how the systems work and how, in turn, these impact on the environment within galleries, has been fascinating and insightful. By working with such an enlightened client, we have been granted remote access meaning that we can monitor the conditions within the gallery and, when necessary, adapt the systems. This in itself is a significant step change for the industry and one which should be applauded." Andy Lerpiniere, Project Director and UKMEA Arts & Culture Leader, Arup
This project is an important next step for both the V&A and the wider industry’s movement towards reduced energy consumption, and meeting ambitious sustainability targets.