– Brian Faber , Project Manager

and constructing an art gallery , Faber emphasises . Works of art are vulnerable . Wood , canvas and paper are very hygroscopic : they need an environment in which air temperature and humidity remain stable over time , within clearly defined limits . PCMA is an AA category facility , the highest international standard , with requirements such as providing security . This also means it has to guarantee that temperature remains within a two-degree temperature range at all times , with tight controls on relative humidity as well . In the hot southern California climate that ’ s a challenge , hence the Smardt equipment . “ Honestly , the most critical part about building this project is climate control ,” says Faber , “ because if it doesn ’ t meet the requirements of a double A-rated space , when the museum staff wants to borrow a Rembrandt that ’ s the first thing they will ask about .” Not that there are any firm plans to borrow that particular work , but we get the point .

Construction is set for substantial completion in June 2019 , with an expected museum opening in 2020 .

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