Twelfth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

Three of the Ten Principals for Building Resilience, proposed by the Urban Land Institute in 2018, are understanding vulnerability, redefining how and where to build, and designing with natural systems. This study outlines the innovative ways in which museum design is taking into account these principals. One of the primary goals of a museum is to preserve and protect its collection against a wide range of risks such as natural disaster, climate change, site vulnerability, and security. The American Alliance of Museums advises in their core standards that museums take appropriate measures to protect against potential risk and loss. Museums are uniquely positioned to communicate these risks and make strategies for developing resilience through physical design, as well as exhibition decisions and featured artists. Case studies of museum design from across the globe will be examined for their preparation and response to environmental risks such as sea level rise, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and drought. Contemporary artists are also playing a role in communicating and preparing the public for resilience to environmental risk. Recognizing human vulnerability in the wake of climate change, exhibitions of artists, whose work addresses these issues, are occurring world wide. We examine a range of exhibitions featuring artists whose work focuses on preparedness for disaster and communication of future risk. Awareness and planning for environmental and human vulnerability is critical as these risks increase globally. This paper starts a conversation and suggests further research to address these issues.