Project Profile: The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formally the Albright Knox Art Gallery, is the sixth oldest public art institution in the United States and is located right in the heart of Buffalo, NY. Since the museum first opened its doors in 1905, it has significantly expanded its collection of artworks with the acquisition of more than 5,000 new pieces. Although a few renovations were made to the campus over the past century, including a new wing built in 1962, the museum’s facilities were essentially left unchanged. Nearly 50 years since its last renovation, the museum began to realize its limited space capacity and lack of visibility of its world-renowned collection.
The idea of a campus expansion project to address the chronic space shortages and constraints was first discussed back in 2012. Since then, the museum has undergone the most significant campus development and expansion project in its 160-year history: The AK360 Project.
Project Challenge: Museums are traditionally large energy consumers due to the precision temperature and humidity controls needed to preserve masterworks of art while also maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for visitors and staff. With the complete renovation of the current space, and the addition of the Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, the museum required updated equipment and an intelligent building management platform that granted them access to monitor, manage, and control all building operations in a sustainable, hyper-efficient, and people-centric way.
Stark Tech Solution: Stark Tech was selected as the prime technology solutions provider to deliver all low voltage building technology systems throughout the museum campus, including building automation, security and fire alarm, lighting, and chiller optimization. Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure building automation system is a part of the new expansion project to optimize energy efficiency, minimize operational costs, and maintain precise temperature and humidity control within the museum spaces. EcoStruxure is a scalable Internet of Things (IoT) solution enabling integration of systems on the campus to leverage performance and operational objectives. EcoStruxure leverages Internet Protocol (IP) technology to provide the museum with future-ready solutions they can benefit from today, including intuitive graphics, system optimization, alarm management, and reporting. EcoStruxure will help the campus improve asset management, reduce energy costs, and achieve sustainability goals.
Having a security solution that protects the valuable museum assets is vitally important. Stark Tech procured and installed a camera-based motion detection and alarm system for enhanced security in museums and galleries. The security system deters guests from getting too close or touching the artwork by creating an invisible protection zone around valuable artifacts and collection pieces. Additional cameras were installed to monitor the support and ancillary areas of the museum including the exterior around the campus, combined with the access control system to provide a highly secure and safe environment for protecting the guests, staff, and assets. Our team also provided a complete replacement of fire alarm systems in two existing buildings and in the new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building to ensure asset protection and life safety.
In addition, ensuring precise climate control is critical for art preservation. Stark Tech’s equipment team delivered 11 Ingenia custom air handling units, providing over 240,000 CFM of airflow throughout the museum. These units were custom-designed to fit within tight mechanical spaces while meeting design specifications for long life and energy efficiency.
Eight Systecon prefabricated mechanical skid packages were installed for condenser water, chilled water, and hot water systems, including pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, and valves. These modular skids facilitated construction scheduling and improved build quality.
Eighteen DriSteem steam generators were distributed throughout the facility, paired with a skidded water treatment system providing reverse osmosis water for improved performance and reduced maintenance. Additionally, 13 Twin City Fans, totaling over 130,000 CFM, were installed to ensure adequate ventilation and exhaust.
Project Result: The Buffalo AKG Art Museum officially reopened on June 12, 2023, showcasing roughly 430 works of art—nearly three times the previous number. The museum now boasts state-of-the-art building technology and HVAC systems, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency, and reliable operation for its visitors and staff.
The brand new, state-of-the-art campus now includes more than 50,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, five classroom studios, a communal Town Square, underground parking, and half an acre of new public greenspace.
