Programming-a tool at the service of the curator, the commissioning authority and the architect 89

Management covers a!l the practical and technical tasks involvect in the proper
functioning of the museum: i.e. archives, security, cleaning, telephones, mail ser-
vices, rest and relaxation, information and orientation, sales. The areas concerned
(apart from offices, which may be grouped together) are usually scattered
throughout the museum. They are defined and situated in relation to the service
in question; for example, technical management of the building (automatic con-
trol) will be placed in relation to the general network of surveillance systems,
and areas devoted to security will be isolated from public areas but in direct com-
munication with them.

Archives. The area set aside for archives may be outside the general office area,
but should preferably be in direct and easy relation to it. It needs surveillance,
and calls for installation of a special automatic fire detection and sprinkler system.

Security. The central security office may include a centre for checking equipment
and premises for the security staff (these two areas being adjoining). It is set apart
from public areas and accesses to it call for strict surveillance. Its location should
take into account: (a) the need for swift intervention on the part of staff (central
position); (b) the dangers of too easy public access; and (c) the network of auto-
,
matic control and surveillance systems.
These areas should provide reasonable comfort for the staff concerned, but
should not open on to the outside unless there is no possibility of unlawful entry
and/or obstruction.

Cleaning. Cleaning areas are those set aside for the collection, treatment and dis-
posal of refuse, and the storing of cleaning materials. Cupboards for cleaning
materials and equipment are distributed at strategic points throughout the various
sectors of the museum.
Areas for the collection, treatment and disposal of refuse are located in the
technical installations sector or in special workshops. Each sector has its own col-
lection point, and the central refuse areas should be sufficiently isolated not to
give rise to disagreeable noise or smells. They should also be situated so as to
give convenient access to special trucks (containers).

Telephone exchaqe. As it is always noisy, the telephone exchange must be com-

pletely sound-proofed. It may be located in an office area lit by daylight for the
comfort of the staff, and its situation must take into account both the heavy appa-
ratus involved (switchboard) and the extensions served.

Sales. These areas are located directly in reception areas and call for no particular
specifications. A distinction should be drawn between sales organised by the
museum itself, and those which are leased out (bar, refreshments, tobacco, etc.).
In the case of the latter, on-the-spot storage should be kept to a minimum.
Articles for sale should be stored near the sales points but away from other
storage areas, because of the need for frequent restocking and handling.

Mail service. The area for receiving and sending mail should be in direct communi-
cation with the street or preferably with staff reception. No other specifications
are needed.

Rest and vecreatim. In addition to the rest and recreation areas provided in con-
junction with staff premises there should be other areas where staff can relax with
automatic vending machines (refreshments) placed at suitable intervals throughout
the various sectors.

Infowzatioiz and orientation. Depending on the size of the buildings and the ade-
quacy of directions, at certain main intersections there may be information and
90 Claude Pecquet and Patrick O’Byrne

orientation points to back up the facilities provided in staff and public reception
areas.

Conservation and mziseology. The function of conservation covers all the scientific
and technical tasks necessary for the proper functioning of the museum and the
conservation and study of its contents. It includes : conservation proper, documen-
tation, teaching and group work, drawing office, etc.
For the most part, this sector resembles the traditional office sector as regards
installations but, in many instances, jobs and equipment may be special.
As regards conservation proper, the areas concerned should be linked to the
exhibit reserves, the exhibition rooms and the reference areas (library and docu-
mentation). A special strong-room should be provided for works in transit. Spa-
cious and quiet general work areas facilitate the preparation of exhibitions and
new displays.
Documentation requires large work areas and good sound-proofing.
$he drawing office is comparable to the architectural office.
Daylight is indispensable for all areas devoted to conservation.

Service areas.

Technical and waste distosal installations. These areas include all central plants of
this kind, i.e. heating and cooling plant, air-conditioning and heat conservation
plant, electricity-supply plant and security and emergency systems, centre for stor-
ing and distributing sprinkler fluid, plant for collection and treatment of refuse,
telephone systems, etc., and plumbing.
This heavy equipment can be a source of noise and vibration, so the technical
installations are isolated from the museum’s other activities. Floors, ceilings and
walls are treated accordingly (floating floors, double partitions, etc.).
For security reasons, access to the t e h i c a l installations is subject to strict
supervision. They should be rationally situated in relation to the power and water
mains. They mostly contain heavy machines and equipment, often bulky, and
there should be easy and adequate access from outside for the purpose of repairs
and alterations.

Stafpremises. Staff areas may include the following units : cloakrooms, toilets,
showers, rest-rooms and recreation rooms, staff rooms, infirmary, union premises,
assembly room. They may also include a cafeteria where the staff does not use
the public cafeteria/restaurant area (see cafeteria and restaurant section above).
These areas may be grouped together or distributed throughout the building
as the case may be. Thus toilets, cloahooms and rest areas are provided for each
activity, in the case of staff attached to particular offices. For mobile staff they
may be grouped together, in which case they may take up considerable space.
When they are Centralized, staff premises are directly connected to the staff
reception area. In the case of one or more activities too far from the staff recep-
tion area, staff facilities may be located within that activity area. Showers, infirm-
ary, staff room and d o n premises are best centralized. Their number and size
depend on the regulations currently in force.
The infirmary should be placed so that stretchers can easily be carried out to
an ambulance, and the possible presence of members of the public should be taken
into account (in the case of accidents or sudden illness).
Staff premises should have a high standard of comfort as regards both installa-
tion and equipment (for example, daylight in staff room, rest-room and recreation
room).

Stores and reserves. Although their function is the same, it is necessary to dis-
tinguish between goods storage and art reserves. Stores serve for stocking ordin-
ary consumer goods necessary for the proper functioning of the museum, together