Swiss Art Collector Case Study

One storage system – two individual facilities

A high quality art collection depends on much more than just the artworks themselves, so it is only understandable that the infrastructure is the foundation and framework of a well-managed collection. An appropriate and practical depot, which provides the space for the objects not on display to be stored and at the same time offers the best possible protection from external influences such as fluctuations in temperature and humidity, is usually part of this.

For the planning and implementation of such a depot, knowledge of the respective collection is central, which usually requires a prior comprehensive analysis to determine the holdings: The quantity in particular exerts a great influence on the storage solutions, but the size relations and the materiality of the individual works are also elementary factors that must be taken into account in the process of the planning phase. Of great importance in the successful realization of art storage projects are the planners, manufacturers and installers of the respective storage systems.

Close cooperation – necessary and purposeful

Büro International GmbH was able to find a reliable partner in the ArtStore department of Kern Studer AG, which, thanks to its high-quality solutions and extensive experience in the planning, construction and assembly of art storage facilities, was an indispensable factor in the success of a storage project realized for a customer in the spring of 2021. Büro International GmbH, in close cooperation with ArtStore, designed a comprehensive depot project in which all facets of the planning and construction of an art storage facility needed to be taken into consideration. The expertise of both companies as well as a close cooperation proved to be necessary and goal-oriented. Even the choice of possible premises within existing real estate required extensive preliminary soundings, as it is essential that these are suitable for safe storage in all respects. Water and fire regulations must be met: for example, there must be no open supply or sewage pipes crossing the ceiling, and no sprinkler systems installed that could pose a potential danger to the artworks. Equally fundamental is the possibility of safe art logistics for the art dealers responsible: threshold-free access and large doors reduce potential sources of danger for damage to artworks and picture frames. The depot should be passable by picture cart and allow access to even the largest works in the collection with minimized obstacles such as narrow hallways or stairwells.

Read more in the PDF (Issue two, 2021, magazine KulturBetrieb)

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