MICHENER ART MUSEUM CASE STUDY

Worth & Company delivers “the Cadillac of all HVAC systems” on time and on-budget while securing the safety of the Michener Museum artwork and ensuring the comfort of their patrons.

BACKGROUND

The James A. Michener Art Museum recently opened the new upper level gallery, the Syd and Sharon Martin Wing, a 5,000 square foot expansion to the existing structure that will be home to major, nationally touring exhibitions. In addition, the Wing’s lower level will accommodate the Museum’s curatorial and administrative capabilities. The first phase of construction began in 2008 and involved the installation of a new climate control system throughout the entire Museum. Worth & Company was chosen based on its solid track record and reputation for innovation and collaboration.

THE CHALLENGE

According to Dan Sneeringer, Project Manager for Worth & Company, the starting and ongoing focal point in museum construction is the mechanical systems provider in order to protect an institution’s invaluable artwork. There needs to be temperature and humidity control at all times, leaving no room for error and time in between the shut- down of the older system and start-up of the new. Dust and dirt can also be damaging to museum assets, requiring all members of the building team to work within a “clean room” type environment. In addition to these typically stringent museum construction requirements, Bruce Katsiff, Executive Director of the Michener Art Museum, had one last challenge for Worth & Company on this project – no pipes or grills on their pristine walls.

THE SOLUTION

Worth & Company got involved and collaborated with the entire design team during pre-construction. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM), our mechanical engineers produced a 3-D virtual model of the entire Museum including the new wing. This technology enabled all project stakeholders to precisely plan construction to meet all of the institution’s unique objectives and special challenges. According to Katsiff, “Without BIM, the new HVAC system would have taken months to install instead of days.” Sneeringer and his construction team used the Company’s “Plan, Prep & Install” methodology to prepare the job site for installation while all HVAC components were being pre-fabricated and pre-assembled in Worth’s Lean/Six Sigma manufacturing facility. System components were delivered to the Museum on a Just-in-Time basis and using One-Touch Materials Handling, immediately installed. Our innovative processes, state-of-the-art technology, passion for teamwork and commitment to delivering unsurpassed customer value led to a very successful project outcome. Worth & Company delivered what Bruce Katsiff calls “the Cadillac of all HVAC systems” on time and on-budget while securing the safety of the Michener Museum artwork and ensuring the comfort of their patrons.

For questions regarding the Michener Art Museum Project, contact Dan Sneeringer at 267-362-1100.