Collections in Hot and Humid Environments

New economical and sustainable alternatives to air-conditioning to reduce biodeterioration in collections in hot and humid regions

Project Details

About

Goal

Collections in Hot and Humid Environments aimed to develop economical and sustainable strategies to reduce biodeterioration of collections by improving the physical environment in historic buildings in hot and humid regions with non-air-conditioning solutions. Air-conditioning systems are often used to prevent biodeterrioration, but historic buildings cannot always withstand these systems. They are expensive to install, operate, and maintain and may not guarantee the desired interior environment.

Outcomes

  • A set of guidelines for evaluating the environment of museum collections and their buildings, such as the assessment of the environment of the Museum of Sacred Arts in Salvador, Brazil. These guidelines were also used in the Institute’s Latin American Consortium project.
  • A comprehensive report on the effect of light on materials in collections in hot and humid climates
  • The development of economical and sustainable climate improvement strategies
  • Monitoring of fungal and bacterial activities in the Historic Archive of La Laguna, on Tenerife Island, Spain, and in Hollybourne Cottage, on Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA, as well as the design, installation, and operation of mechanical ventilation systems in these buildings

Background

Biodeterioration of collections is a major concern for cultural institutions in hot and humid regions where favorable conditions for insects, fungi, and bacteria are found. The threat posed by biological and microbiological attack in tropical regions often supersedes the potential for chemical aging or mechanical damage.

Project History

Partners

Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas–CIB (Center for Biological Research), Madrid, Spain; Instituto del Patrimonio Histórico Español (Institute for Spanish Historic Patrimony), Madrid, Spain; Ayuntamiento de San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna), Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain; Jekyll Island Authority, Jekyll Island, Georgia, USA

Guidelines for Assessments: Vitae Foundation; The Federal University of Minas Gerais; The Federal University of Bahia, Museum of Secret Arts; Michael Henry (consultant)